As the Major League Baseball season approaches its 100th game for many teams, individual performances are becoming more scrutinized and critical to their respective clubs' success. This midseason checkpoint offers an opportunity to evaluate some standout players and their contributions.
Evaluating Cody Bellinger's Performance
Cody Bellinger has captured attention with his powerful hitting. This season, in 79 games, Bellinger has hit nine home runs. While last season he managed to power 26 home runs over 130 games, the current tally showcases his consistency and ability to deliver even as the competition intensifies. If Bellinger maintains his pace, he is poised to be an essential asset for his team as they aim to make a deep run into the playoffs.
Nolan Arenado's Struggles
Nolan Arenado, known for his formidable offensive capabilities, currently finds himself in an uncharacteristic slump. With a .702 OPS, this season marks the lowest overall performance in his distinguished career. Fans and analysts alike are looking to see if Arenado can regain his form, which has been a cornerstone of his team’s offense in previous seasons.
Rising Stars and Solid Performers
Bobby Witt Jr. continues to impress with his recent performances. In a Saturday game, Witt went 3-for-4, featuring a double, an RBI, and a run scored. Such performances underscore his potential and importance to his lineup. His contributions highlight a steady rise and confidence in handling varying pitching styles.
Alex Bregman's Resurgence
Alex Bregman’s recent surge since July 4th has been nothing short of spectacular. Over 13 games, Bregman has posted a .314 batting average, collected three home runs, 10 RBIs, and scored 10 runs, resulting in an impressive .885 OPS. Such statistics have solidified his value in fantasy baseball leagues, evidenced by his pricing on DraftKings at $4,200 and FanDuel at $3,200.
Bregman’s career against left-handed pitching has been particularly strong, showcasing a .278 batting average and an .862 OPS. With the Athletics scheduled to start left-handed pitcher Hogan Harris, who sports a career 5.53 ERA, Bregman’s historical success against southpaws positions him as a key player to watch in upcoming games.
J.P. Crawford: A Mixed Bag
J.P. Crawford has shown a blend of potential and challenges this season. Valued at $4,200 on DraftKings and $3,000 on FanDuel, Crawford’s performance against left-handed pitcher Tyler Anderson includes a modest 3-for-10 with two walks. This season, Crawford is hitting .284 with an .805 OPS against southpaws, tallying four home runs in 88 at-bats, and five home runs in 206 at-bats against right-handers.
Despite these statistics, Crawford is currently enduring the least productive season of his career, marked by a batting average of .204 and an OPS of .643. Yet, endorsements point to a potential turnaround. McClure, a respected figure in fantasy baseball, champions Crawford's inclusion in fantasy rosters, believing in his capability to bounce back.
The Road Ahead
As teams edge closer to their 100th game milestone, individual player performances continue to capture the spotlight. While some like Cody Bellinger and Alex Bregman demonstrate consistency and progression, others such as Nolan Arenado and J.P. Crawford face challenging seasons. However, the beauty of baseball lies in its unpredictability and the enduring potential for players to surge when least expected.
Throughout the remainder of the season, fans and analysts will keenly observe these key players, gauging their impacts and possibly predicting outcomes as teams vie for playoff positions. Only time will tell how each player's narrative unfolds and what it means for the larger story of the 2023 MLB season.