As Major League Baseball edges past the halfway mark of its season, several narratives are beginning to crystallize. With many teams reaching their 100th game, individual performances are coming under the microscope, from rising stars to seasoned veterans.
Cody Bellinger's Power and Nolan Arenado's Struggle
Cody Bellinger, a cornerstone for his team, has shown flashes of his home-run capability, having hit nine home runs in 79 games this season. This compares to a more prolific 26 home runs in 130 games last year, suggesting a bit of a power slump for the talented player. Will Bellinger find his rhythm as the season progresses?
Meanwhile, veteran slugger Nolan Arenado is experiencing an unexpected dip in form. Holding a .702 OPS, which is the lowest of his usually stellar career, Arenado's struggles at the plate are noticeable. Fans and analysts are watching closely to see if he can bounce back in the latter half of the season.
Standout Performances and Fantasy Implications
On a brighter note, Bobby Witt Jr. had an impressive outing in their recent Saturday game, going 3-for-4 with a double, an RBI, and a run scored. Such performances are what fantasy baseball enthusiasts look for, and Witt Jr. is certainly catching the eye of many.
Speaking of fantasy baseball, Alex Bregman has seen a surge in his form since July 4th. In 13 games, Bregman has maintained a .314 batting average along with three home runs, 10 RBIs, and 10 runs scored, resulting in an impressive .885 OPS. His price on DraftKings stands at $4,200, while FanDuel lists him at $3,200, reflecting his current hot streak. Notably, Bregman’s career statistics against left-handers - a .278 batting average and an .862 OPS - make him an attractive pick as the Athletics are set to start LHP Hogan Harris, who has a career ERA of 5.53, on Monday.
J.P. Crawford: A Complex Picture
In the fantasy baseball realm, another player to consider is J.P. Crawford. Currently priced at $4,200 on DraftKings and $3,000 on FanDuel, Crawford presents both opportunities and challenges for fantasy owners. His career performance against pitcher Tyler Anderson - 3-for-10 with two walks - suggests potential. Furthermore, Crawford's batting average of .284 with an .805 OPS against southpaws this season is compelling, alongside his four home runs in 88 at-bats against left-handed pitchers.
However, Crawford's overall season has been a mix of highs and lows. Despite his promising stats against LHP, he's experiencing the lowest batting average (.204) and OPS (.643) of his eight-year career. This juxtaposition makes Crawford a fascinating subject for fantasy baseball enthusiasts, as they weigh his potential against his season-long struggles.
Expert Opinions and Endorsements
Fantasy sports expert McClure, well-regarded in the community and mentioned in the book "Fantasy Football (and Baseball) for Smart People: How to Turn Your Hobby into a Fortune," has endorsed rostering J.P. Crawford. This backing adds another layer of intrigue to Crawford's profile as fantasy owners consider their options for the coming games.
As MLB navigates through the latter parts of July, the performances of these key players will undoubtedly play significant roles in both real-life pennant races and the virtual battles of fantasy leagues. Whether it's Cody Bellinger finding his home-run swing, Nolan Arenado breaking out of his career-worst slump, or J.P. Crawford balancing potential with current form, the second half promises to be as unpredictable and thrilling as the first.