As the MLB season approaches its midpoint, teams around the league are gearing up for their 100th game. As fans scour player statistics and performance trends, several players and match-ups stand out. Among them, the performances and prospects of Cody Bellinger, Nolan Arenado, Bobby Witt Jr., Alex Bregman, and J.P. Crawford draw particular interest.
Cody Bellinger's Power Struggle
Cody Bellinger had a noteworthy season last year, hitting 26 home runs in 130 games. However, this season has presented more of a challenge for the power hitter, as he has managed to hit only nine home runs in 79 games. As the season progresses, fans and analysts alike are curious whether Bellinger will find the form that made him one of the most formidable hitters in previous years.
Nolan Arenado's Uncharacteristic Slump
Nolan Arenado is enduring a tough stretch this season, with a .702 OPS—his lowest career mark. For a player of Arenado's caliber, known for his consistency and power, this represents a significant dip in productivity. The Rockies' third baseman will be looking to turn things around as his team pushes deeper into the season.
Bobby Witt Jr.'s Bright Spot
Rookie sensation Bobby Witt Jr. had an impressive performance in a recent game, going 3-for-4 with a double, an RBI, and a run scored. The young shortstop continues to show promise, living up to the hype that surrounded his debut. His contributions are becoming increasingly valuable as his team navigates the season.
Alex Bregman's Rising Stock
Alex Bregman has been a beacon of consistency and power for his team. Priced at $4,200 on DraftKings and $3,200 on FanDuel, he has delivered excellent value for fantasy owners. Since July 4, Bregman has been on a tear, hitting .314 with three home runs, 10 RBIs, and 10 runs scored over 13 games. This stretch has bolstered his OPS to .885. Bregman’s overall performance against left-handed pitching has also been stellar, with a career .278 batting average and an .862 OPS. With the Athletics starting LHP Hogan Harris, who has a career 5.53 ERA, Bregman seems poised for another productive outing.
J.P. Crawford's Intriguing Matchup
J.P. Crawford is another player who has shown flashes of brilliance this season, particularly against left-handed pitchers. Crawford has hit .284 with an .805 OPS against southpaws, including four home runs in 88 at-bats. Despite these numbers, Crawford is experiencing the lowest batting average (.204) and OPS (.643) of his career. Even so, McClure, a noted expert recognized in "Fantasy Football (and Baseball) for Smart People: How to Turn Your Hobby into a Fortune," endorses rostering Crawford. His historical performance against Tyler Anderson, batting 3-for-10 with two walks, suggests potential for a breakout.
In summary, the midseason evaluations of these key players offer a mix of optimism and caution. While Cody Bellinger and Nolan Arenado deal with uncharacteristic slumps, rising stars and seasoned veterans like Bobby Witt Jr., Alex Bregman, and J.P. Crawford provide excitement and hope for their respective teams and fantasy owners. As the MLB season progresses past the 100-game mark, the narratives surrounding these players will undoubtedly evolve, keeping fans engaged and analysts busy.