As we move into the heart of the Major League Baseball season, teams are preparing to cross a significant benchmark with their 100th game. This season has brought a mix of highs and lows for several key players, some of whom are facing personal milestones while others are striving to improve their performances.
Cody Bellinger: Power Under Resolution
Cody Bellinger, the Chicago Cubs' power hitter, has seen a drop in his home run production this year, hitting only nine in 79 games. By comparison, last season Bellinger blasted 26 homers over 130 games, demonstrating a considerable decline in long-ball potency. As the season progresses, the Cubs will be looking for Bellinger to rediscover his power stroke to propel their offense.
Nolan Arenado: Navigating Career Lows
St. Louis Cardinals' third baseman Nolan Arenado, a perennial All-Star, is grappling with the lowest OPS of his career at .702. Known for his consistent offensive output and impeccable defense, Arenado's struggle this season is notable and a point of concern for the Cardinals. The normally prolific hitter will need to adjust his approach to overcome this uncharacteristic slump and help his team contend in a highly competitive National League.
Bobby Witt Jr.: Boosting the Royals
The Kansas City Royals are seeing a spark from Bobby Witt Jr., who went 3-for-4 with a double, an RBI, and a run scored in a recent Saturday game. Witt's performance is a beacon of hope for the Royals, who are rebuilding and developing their young talent. His contributions in the lineup are critical as the Royals look to build momentum and find success in the latter part of the season.
Alex Bregman: In-Season Surge
Houston Astros' Alex Bregman has been a bright spot since July 4th, boasting a .314 batting average with three home runs, 10 RBIs, and 10 runs scored over 13 games. His .885 OPS further underscores his offensive resurgence. Historically, Bregman has shown strength against left-handed pitchers, with a career .278 average and an .862 OPS. This bodes well for the upcoming matchup against the Athletics' LHP Hogan Harris, who holds a career ERA of 5.53. Currently, Bregman is priced at $4,200 on DraftKings and $3,200 on FanDuel, making him a valuable pick for fantasy baseball enthusiasts.
J.P. Crawford: A Veteran's Endorsement
J.P. Crawford, shortstop for the Seattle Mariners, is another player who has seen a mixed season. Priced at $4,200 on DraftKings and $3,000 on FanDuel, Crawford's history against Tyler Anderson (3-for-10 with two walks) makes him an intriguing option for daily fantasy sports. This season, Crawford is hitting .284 with an .805 OPS against southpaws, including four home runs in 88 at-bats. Against right-handers, he has five home runs in 206 at-bats. Despite these statistics, Crawford is experiencing the lowest batting average (.204) and OPS (.643) of his eight-year career. Nevertheless, McClure, a respected fantasy baseball analyst, endorses rostering Crawford, suggesting there is still potential for a turnaround.
In conclusion, as teams approach their 100th game, players like Cody Bellinger, Nolan Arenado, Bobby Witt Jr., Alex Bregman, and J.P. Crawford are pivotal for their respective teams. Their performances, whether in revival or struggle, will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of their seasons and potentially their careers. As the stretch run approaches, the fortunes of many MLB teams will hinge on these key players finding and maintaining their form.