Key Players and Matchups Heating Up as MLB Season Nears 100-Game Mark

As Monday approaches, the Major League Baseball landscape braces for several teams to hit the significant milestone of their 100th game of the season. As the action heats up, certain players and matchups are drawing considerable attention from fans and analysts alike.

Cody Bellinger's Home Run Prowess

Cody Bellinger remains a standout figure in the league, consistently showcasing his power-hitting prowess. Over the course of 79 games this year, Bellinger has hit nine home runs. This follows an impressive performance last season in which he tallied 26 home runs across 130 games. While his current numbers may not rival last season's pace, Bellinger's capability to deliver critical hits underscores his value to any lineup.

Nolan Arenado's Struggles

Meanwhile, Nolan Arenado's performance this season has been somewhat of an anomaly. With a .702 OPS, Arenado is experiencing the lowest OPS of his career. Long considered one of the most reliable hitters in the game, Arenado's struggles at the plate this season are notable. As an experienced player, the anticipation is that he will find ways to adjust and improve as the season progresses.

Bobby Witt Jr.'s Recent Success

In contrast, Bobby Witt Jr. has been in exceptional form. His recent 3-for-4 performance, which included a double, an RBI, and a run scored, highlights his burgeoning talent and potential. Witt Jr.'s ability to make an impact in key games is a positive sign for his development and for his team’s prospects moving forward.

Alex Bregman's Hitting Streak

Alex Bregman is another player making headlines with his recent performances. Since July 4, Bregman has been hitting .314 with three home runs, 10 RBIs, and 10 runs scored over 13 games, resulting in an impressive .885 OPS. Bregman's consistent contact and power make him an attractive option for fantasy baseball enthusiasts, priced at $4,200 on DraftKings and $3,200 on FanDuel. His historical success against left-handed pitching, marked by a .278 batting average and an .862 OPS, further solidifies his value.

Key Matchups and Player Performances

Looking ahead to Monday, the Athletics are set to start left-handed pitcher Hogan Harris, who holds a career 5.53 ERA. This matchup presents an opportunity for players with strong numbers against southpaws to shine. One player to keep an eye on is J.P. Crawford. Priced at $4,200 on DraftKings and $3,000 on FanDuel, Crawford has had notable success this season against left-handed pitching, boasting a .284 average and an .805 OPS. He has also hit four home runs in 88 at-bats against left-handers this season.

Despite this, it’s been a challenging season overall for Crawford, who is currently experiencing the lowest batting average (.204) and OPS (.643) of his eight-year career. However, he has managed five home runs in 206 at-bats against right-handers, showing moments of power that could be pivotal against the right matchups.

McClure's Endorsement

Notably, McClure, whose expertise is acknowledged in the book "Fantasy Football (and Baseball) for Smart People: How to Turn Your Hobby into a Fortune," endorses rostering J.P. Crawford. This recommendation is based on Crawford's recent performances and potentially favorable matchups, making him a viable option for fantasy lineups despite his current slump.

The MLB season is one of endurance and adaptation. With teams nearing their 100th game, players like Bellinger, Arenado, Witt Jr., Bregman, and Crawford are all pivotal pieces whose performances will be crucial in the outcome of their teams' success. As fans and analysts alike watch closely, every at-bat and pitch carries weight, contributing to the larger narrative of the season.