As Major League Baseball enters a pivotal stretch of the season, several key players and teams are making headlines for their performances and milestones. With many teams approaching their 100th game, the competition is heating up, and individual performances are under intense scrutiny.
Cody Bellinger's Season in Review
Cody Bellinger has been a notable figure this season, hitting nine home runs in 79 games so far. This comes after a season where he hit 26 home runs in 130 games. While his home run pace has slightly dipped, Bellinger remains a crucial player for his team. His contributions go beyond just the long ball, as his all-around play continues to be valuable to his team's success.
Nolan Arenado's Struggles
On the other hand, Nolan Arenado is enduring a challenging season. With a .702 OPS, this marks the lowest OPS of his career. For a player who has been a model of consistency and excellence, this dip in performance is alarming. Arenado's struggles at the plate have undoubtedly affected his team's dynamics, and a resurgence from him will be critical as they push for a postseason berth.
Bobby Witt Jr.'s Rising Star
Conversely, Bobby Witt Jr. continues to impress, going 3-for-4 with a double, an RBI, and a run scored in a recent Saturday matchup. His performance highlights his potential and the bright future ahead of him. Witt Jr. is quickly becoming a player to watch, with his ability to influence games in multiple ways.
Alex Bregman's Hot Streak
Alex Bregman has been in outstanding form since July 4, hitting .314 with three home runs, 10 RBIs, and 10 runs scored over 13 games. His .885 OPS during this stretch showcases his offensive prowess. Bregman, who is priced at $4,200 on DraftKings and $3,200 on FanDuel, offers valuable insight for those involved in fantasy baseball. His career performance against left-handed pitching, including a .278 batting average and an .862 OPS, further underscores his value, especially with the Athletics scheduled to start LHP Hogan Harris on Monday. Harris, with a career 5.53 ERA, could be a favorable matchup for Bregman.
J.P. Crawford's Complex Season
J.P. Crawford's season presents a complex narrative. Priced at $4,200 on DraftKings and $3,000 on FanDuel, Crawford offers considerable potential. His career performance against Tyler Anderson, going 3-for-10 with two walks, along with a .284 average and an .805 OPS against southpaws this season, positions him as a valuable asset. He has hit four home runs in 88 at-bats against left-handed pitchers and five home runs in 206 at-bats against right-handed pitchers this season.
However, Crawford is experiencing the lowest batting average (.204) and OPS (.643) of his eight-year career. This downturn is a stark contrast to his performance metrics against left-handed pitching this season, indicating an overall struggle but with bright spots worth noting. Fantasy baseball expert McClure, recognized in the book "Fantasy Football (and Baseball) for Smart People: How to Turn Your Hobby into a Fortune," endorses rostering Crawford, suggesting a potential upside in his game.
The Road Ahead
As the MLB season progresses, these individual player narratives will undoubtedly evolve, potentially impacting their teams' standings and postseason prospects. Bellinger's consistent power hitting, Arenado's quest to regain form, the emergence of young talent like Witt Jr., and the hot streaks of established players like Bregman and Crawford contribute to the ever-compelling storylines of the 2023 season. Each player's trajectory will be pivotal as teams jostle for playoff positions and strive for baseball glory.