As we approach Monday, several MLB teams are gearing up to reach a significant milestone—the 100th game of the season. Among the standout players to watch, Cody Bellinger, Nolan Arenado, Alex Bregman, and J.P. Crawford are generating plenty of buzz with their performances, both current and historical.
Cody Bellinger's Power Dip
In the past, Cody Bellinger has been a force to be reckoned with, as evidenced by the 26 home runs he smashed in 130 games last season. This year, however, Bellinger’s home run tally has dipped to nine in his first 79 games. While it's still a respectable number, it marks a significant decline in his power hitting. Bellinger’s fans and fantasy baseball managers alike are watching closely, hoping for a mid-season surge.
Nolan Arenado's Struggles
Nolan Arenado, widely regarded as one of the premier third basemen in MLB, is experiencing the lowest OPS of his career this season at .702. Known for his consistent offensive performance, this slump is uncharacteristic and concerning for the St. Louis Cardinals and their fans. Whether Arenado can turn it around in the latter half of the season remains a critical storyline to follow.
Alex Bregman: A Safe Bet
Alex Bregman has been showcasing his skills recently, hitting .314 since July 4 with three home runs, 10 RBIs, and 10 runs scored over a 13-game stretch. His OPS over these games stands at an impressive .885. For fantasy baseball players, Bregman has been a solid investment, priced at $4,200 on DraftKings and $3,200 on FanDuel. Additionally, Bregman has historically been effective against left-handed pitchers, boasting a career .278 batting average and an .862 OPS against them. Given that the Athletics are scheduled to start left-hander Hogan Harris on Monday, with his career 5.53 ERA, Bregman looks to be in a favorable position.
J.P. Crawford's Career Lows but Potential Upside
Despite experiencing the lowest batting average (.204) and OPS (.643) of his eight-year career, J.P. Crawford presents some intriguing numbers for fantasy players. Priced at $4,200 on DraftKings and $3,000 on FanDuel, Crawford has been productive against left-handed pitchers this season, hitting four home runs in 88 at-bats and maintaining an .805 OPS. Against right-handed pitchers, however, he has managed only five home runs in 206 at-bats. Nonetheless, Crawford's career performance against his upcoming opponent, Tyler Anderson, is a respectable 3-for-10 with two walks.
Crawford has also gained an endorsement from McClure, a noted figure in the fantasy sports community and author of "Fantasy Football (and Baseball) for Smart People: How to Turn Your Hobby into a Fortune." His endorsement suggests confidence in Crawford’s ability to perform, despite his current season struggles.
Bobby Witt Jr. Shines
On a brighter note, Bobby Witt Jr. had a stellar performance in their Saturday matchup, going 3-for-4 with a double, an RBI, and a run scored. Witt Jr.'s contribution on the field continues to bolster his team’s offensive efforts, providing a much-needed boost as the season progresses.
As we look ahead to Monday's games, these storylines and individual performances will undoubtedly influence both real and fantasy outcomes. From Bellinger's potential resurgence to Arenado’s quest to reclaim his form, and Bregman and Crawford's fantasy value in the coming matchups, this upcoming stretch promises to be filled with compelling drama and pivotal moments.