The Philadelphia Phillies finished the 2019 season with an 81-81 record. Even after signing Bryce Harper to a monster $330 million contract, they failed to deliver on high expectations. Despite a dearth of injuries and lack of pitching, the Phils pinned their failures on manager Gabe Kapler, who was fired after the season. Former Yankees manager Joe Girardi steps into the manager role with a proven postseason track record as a player and a coach.
It’s been a while since the Phillies have played postseason baseball. They haven’t had a winning season since 2011 , which is also the last time they made the playoffs.
The Phillies enter MLB’s winter meetings on Dec. 8 with starting pitching at the top of their list. Here’s a look at the Phillies current odds at PA online sportsbooks.
FanDual online sportsbook
The Phillies are +2,000 to win the World Series. FanDuel puts World Series loser Houston Astros as the favorite to win the 2020 Fall Classic at +500. The Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees are +600. World Series Champs Washington Nationals are listed at +1,400.
FOX Bet online sportsbook
The Phillies World Series title odds are +2000 at FOX Bet. Early choices for a World Series winner at FOX Bet online sportsbook are:
- Houston Astros (+450)
- New York Yankees (+550)
- Los Angeles Dodgers (+550)
SugarHouse online sportsbook
SugarHouse gives the Phillies better odds (+1,400) of capturing the crown. The Astros and Yankees are favorites for World Series winners at +550.
DraftKings online sportsbook
DraftKings also has the Phillies at +1,400 to win the World Series. Top choices for winners, all at +550, are the Astros and Yankees.
Unibet online sportsbook
Pennsylvania’s newest sportsbook, Unibet, lists the Phillies at +1400 to capture the crown. Teams with the best odds to win the World Series are the Astros and Yankees (+550), followed by the Dodgers (+600).
2020 MLB Free agents
Starting pitching and bullpen upgrades should be the Phillies’ focus. There are only a handful of free agents who could instantly improve the Phillies odds. They are:
Gerrit Cole
Coming off a 20-win season with a career best 2.50 ERA, Gerrit Cole is the ace of this year’s free-agent class. There are rumors CC Sabathia has been in Cole’s ear about coming to the Yankees. The Phillies will have lots of big-name competition if they want to land Cole.
Anthony Rendon
Harper’s former Washington Nationals teammate Anthony Rendon is also a possible target for the Phils. His .319 batting average and 34 home runs would provide a huge upgrade over Maikel Franco at third base. Rendon might be lured home to Texas, where they are set to open a new stadium in 2020.
Stephen Strasburg
Stephen Strasburg opted out of the remaining four years and $100 million on his contract. Why? He capped an 18-6 2019 season with an MVP postseason (1.98 ERA, 6-0).
Looking back on Phillies bets
Online sportsbooks had yet to launch in Pennsylvania before Opening Day 2019. It didn’t stop NJ online bettors and Pennsylvania fans from flocking to retail sportsbooks. Especially after the Phils signed Harper.
Most sportsbooks had the Phillies odds to capture the 2019 World Series Crown listed at +1,000. Bryce Harper regular season over/under for regular season home runs was set at 33.5. Harper finished the season with 35 home runs.
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