As the Major League Baseball season marches towards the dog days of summer, crucial milestones and significant performances begin to shape teams' playoff aspirations and players' individual legacies. This week, many MLB teams will reach a critical point in their campaigns, playing their 100th game of the season. These benchmarks offer an illuminating glimpse into the highs and lows experienced across the league.
Cody Bellinger's Power Struggle
Cody Bellinger, the enigmatic star known for his prodigious power, finds himself navigating through a puzzling season. With only nine home runs in 79 games, Bellinger's current trajectory falls short compared to his 26 round-trippers amassed over 130 games last season. The drop in production has attenuated his influence, and the sharp contrast underscores the unpredictable nature of baseball.
Arenado's Offensive Lows
Nolan Arenado, typically one of the league’s most reliable hitters, is also experiencing a disconcerting year at the plate. His .702 on-base plus slugging percentage (OPS) stands as the lowest of his career. For a player long celebrated for his consistency and prowess in the batter’s box, this season’s underperformance raises eyebrows and questions about what might be going awry for the perennial All-Star.
Witt Jr.'s Bright Spot
Amidst the turbulent performances across the league, Bobby Witt Jr. provided a glimmer of hope for his team, going 3-for-4 with a double, an RBI, and a run scored in their Saturday game. Witt Jr.'s standout showing is a reminder of the promise and potential that young stars bring to the field every day.
Bregman Heating Up
Astros’ mainstay Alex Bregman seems to be finding his stride as the season progresses. Since July 4, Bregman has posted a robust .314 batting average, complemented by three home runs, 10 RBIs, and 10 runs scored over 13 games, amounting to an impressive .885 OPS. Known for his strong performance against left-handed pitching—holding a career .278 average and an .862 OPS in such matchups—Bregman appears well-positioned to continue his hot streak as the Athletics prepare to start left-hander Hogan Harris. Harris, who carries a career 5.53 ERA, could find Bregman's resurgence challenging to contain.
Crawford's Dual Challenge
J.P. Crawford's season presents a complex narrative. On one hand, his career stats against left-handed pitcher Tyler Anderson—a solid 3-for-10 with two walks—along with a notable .284 batting average and .805 OPS against southpaws this season, project confidence. Crawford has also shown balanced power, collecting four home runs in 88 at-bats against left-handers and five in 206 at-bats against right-handers.
However, the broader picture reveals Crawford is experiencing the lowest batting average (.204) and OPS (.643) of his eight-year career. Despite these struggles, he remains a valuable asset on platforms like DraftKings and FanDuel, where he's priced at $4,200 and $3,000, respectively. Recognized fantasy sports expert McClure endorses rostering Crawford, suggesting a potential for a turnaround could be on the horizon.
Fantasy Implications
The intertwining narratives of these players also resonate deeply within the fantasy baseball community. Performance metrics, career averages, and player pricing on platforms like DraftKings and FanDuel are critical factors for fantasy players strategizing their rosters. Bregman, priced at $4,200 on DraftKings and $3,200 on FanDuel, along with Crawford, finds themselves in the spotlight, ready to provide value and potential breakout performances as the season intensifies.
As teams and players alike forge ahead into the heart of the baseball season, the coming games will serve as a crucible, revealing who can rise to the challenge and who might falter under pressure. Each at-bat, inning, and matchup carries weight, adding to the rich tapestry of the MLB season—an ever-evolving drama that captivates fans and keeps analysts on their toes.