The Philadelphia Phillies enter the 2020 season looking to break the .500 threshold and make the postseason. The last time the Phillies achieved both was 2011.
Last year, the Phillies made the biggest splash in free agency by signing Bryce Harper. They were much quieter during this offseason, passing on big names like Stephen Strasburg, Gerrit Cole and Anthony Rendon. Instead, the Phillies opted for pitcher Zach Wheeler and shortstop Didi Gregorious.
Across the state, the Pittsburgh Pirates‘ biggest moves happened off of the field. The 2020 season will be the first for new president Travis Williams, general manager Ben Cherington and manager Derek Shelton. After finishing under .500 in three of the last four seasons, the Pirates needed a shakeup at the top.
Early lines up as pitchers and catchers report
Although they haven’t referenced a rebuild, the Pirates traded Sterling Marte to the Arizona Diamondbacks for two teenage prospects. The Pirates will try to avoid the cellar again in the National League Central. The Phillies will fight for positioning in the tough National League East.
Phillies pitchers and catchers report to spring training in Clearwater on Feb. 11 with a full team workout on Feb. 17. Pirates pitchers and catchers report to spring training in Brandenton on Feb. 10 with a full team workout on Feb. 17.
Sportsbooks in Pennsylvania have the Yankees, Dodgers and Astros as favorites to win the World Series. The books set the Phillies win total at about 85 and the Pirates at 69.5.
DraftKings online sportsbook
The Yankees (+400), Dodgers (+400) and Astros (+600) are the favorites to win the World Series. Here are some futures lines for PA teams at DraftKings.
World Series winner
- Phillies: +2,000
- Pirates: +20,000
Division winner
- Phillies: +325
- Pirates: +5,000
National League winner
- Phillies: +900
- Pirates: +10,000
Regular season wins
- Pirates: over/under 69.5
- Phillies: over/under 84.5
DraftKings is also offering “Gerrit Cole Specials” based on the Yankees’ new ace.
Gerrit Cole markets include:
- 15 or more strikeouts in a game in 2020: Yes (-134)
- 20 or more strikeouts in a game in 2020 (+3,000)
- A no hitter in 2020: Yes (+2,000)
- Win 2020 Cy Young Award: Yes (+375)
- Total strikeouts thrown by the pitcher – excluding playoffs: over/under: 273.5
- Total wins by the pitcher – excluding playoffs: over/under 16.5
FanDuel online sportsbook
Current World Series favorites at FanDuel Sportsbook are the Yankees (+375), Dodgers (+430) and Astros (+650).
World Series winner
- Phillies: +2,100
- Pirates: +10,000
Division winner
- Phillies: +310
- Pirates: +10,000
National League winner
- Phillies: +1,000
- Pirates: +10,000
Regular season wins
- Phillies: over/under 85.5
- Pirates: over/under 69.5
FanDuel is also offering a number of Gerrit Cole betting markets.
BetRivers online sportsbook
Here are the current Phillies and Pirates lines at BetRivers Sportsbook.
World Series winner
- Phillies: +2,100
- Pirates: +20,000
Division winner
- Phillies: +325
- Pirates: +5,000
National League winner
- Phillies: +900
- Pirates: +10,000
Regular season wins
- Phillies: over/under 84.5
- Pirates: over/under 69.5
Fox Bet online sportsbook
As of Feb. 10, FOX Bet has a few more options for player props outside of Gerrit Cole such as home run totals and home run title winner.
World Series winner
- Phillies: +1,800
- Pirates: +25,000
Division winner
- Phillies: +300
- Pirates: +5,500
National League winner
- Phillies: +850
- Pirates: +12,500
Regular season wins
- Phillies: over/under 86.5
- Pirates: over/under 71.5
Regular season home runs
- Bryce Harper: over/under 38.5
- Rhys Hoskins: over/under 36.5
Home run winner regular season
- Bryce Harper: +2,200
- Rhys Hoskins: +4,000
Is that a casino in the outfield?
If you’re going to a Phillies game or driving by the sports complex in South Philadelphia, it’s hard to miss the construction of Live! Hotel & Casino Philadelphia. However, even if the Phillies make the postseason, you won’t be able to visit the tables before first pitch. Live! Hotel & Casino Philadelphia’s projected opening isn’t until late December 2020.
Some highlights of the $700 million 1.5 million sq. ft. casino include:
- 2200 slot machines
- 125 live action table games
- 30 poker tables
- 4 restaurants
- FanDuel sportsbook
The Cordish Companies which operates casinos under the Live! brand announced a strategic partnership with FanDuel. It will bring sports betting and daily fantasy operations to Cordish’s Live! Casino & Hotel and Entertainment Districts properties throughout the country including Philadelphia.
Expect Live’s online sportsbook to launch before the casino’s opening pending Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board approval.
