The Philadelphia Phillies were one of the most disappointing teams last season after landing superstar Bryce Harper in free agency. They’ll try to bounce back by making the playoffs in 2020, but that won’t be easy in the tough National League.
Today, we focus on the Phillies’ 2020 regular-season win totals and World Series odds. Does Philadelphia have what it takes? Let’s analyze:
Phillies 2019 wins
The Phillies finished fourth in the NL East last season, going 81-81. They fell apart down the stretch, losing seven of their last nine games. Injuries and a suspension to Odubel Herrera had a big impact, as did Harper’s struggles in his first season in Philly.
Phillies offseason
Gabe Kapler is out as the Phillies manager after two seasons and Joe Girardi is now in charge. The team’s biggest moves this offseason came with the signings of RHP Zack Wheeler and SS Didi Gregorius, but it was a relatively uneventful winter for Philadelphia, otherwise.
Aaron Nola is back as the top starter, and OF Andrew McCutchen’s return from injury will provide a boost. Catcher J.T. Realmuto will look to follow up a strong 2019 season, too.
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Phillies odds to win NL East division
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list.
Lines last updated on Saturday at 12:30 p.m. ET.
The Phillies have the third-best odds to win the division in 2020 at +310, behind the Braves (+190) and Nationals (+250). The Mets are close behind at +330, too. Philadelphia has as good a chance to win the NL East as any of those three other teams, given its balance of power on offense and talent on the pitching staff.
Phillies World Series odds
The Phillies are +1800 to win the World Series this fall, tied for eighth-best in MLB. If they can stay relatively healthy and the rest of the NL East comes up short of expectations, the Phillies will be in contention in October.
How many games will Phillies win in 2020?
BetMGM has the Phillies’ win total projection set at 85.5 games. Philadelphia hasn’t won that many games since going 102-60 in 2011, but the team has won 80 and 81 games in each of the last two seasons with less talent than it has now.
The Phillies’ schedule won’t be easy, having to play in the NL East, but it’s easy to see them getting to at least 86 wins in 2020. Harper will be more comfortable in Citizens Bank Park and the arrival of Wheeler should improve a pitching staff that had a team ERA of 4.53 last season – the closest team in baseball to the league average. Take the OVER (-106) with the Phillies.
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