Updated Phillies World Series odds & analysis ahead of Game 1 of the 2022 Fall Classic

Just as they’ve been for every series during the postseason, the Philadelphia Phillies’ World Series odds in 2022 are favoring their opponent. But even as the surprise team in the 2022 MLB playoffs, the Phillies’ World Series chances are far from dead. They’ve been the underdog in all three series thus far and won them all, so what’s stopping them from winning one more?

Phillies World Series odds 2022

According to FanDuel, the Phillies’ World Series odds in 2022 are at +165 compared to the Houston Astros, who have a moneyline of -190.

All odds taken October 25 at FanDuel Sportsbook

They definitely have their work cut out for them based on how dominant the Astros have looked in October. But let’s check out a World Series preview from Philadelphia’s perspective to take a closer look at the Phillies’ World Series chances.

Ace in the Hole

Overall, the Astros likely have the advantage when it comes to pitching. But the Phillies do have a bonafide ace in Zack Wheeler. Over his four starts in the postseason this year, Wheeler has posted a 1.78 ERA, allowing just five runs on 10 hits over 25.1 innings.

He’s not far from pitching like one of the best playoff pitchers of all time, and the Phillies are going to get him for at least two games during the World Series.

It’s just a matter of what the Phillies get from the rest of their pitching staff. Aaron Nola looked good in his first two playoff starts but got knocked around for six runs over 4.2 innings against the Padres in the NLCS.

Fortunately for the Phillies, Ranger Suarez picked up the slack, allowing just one earned run over 5.1 innings in his start during the NLCS. He’s someone the Phillies will have to rely on during the World Series. The caveat is he faced the Astros during the final week of the regular season and gave up six runs over three innings with Houston hitting three homers against him.

Keep the power coming

Philadelphia’s pitching will have to contribute, but the Phillies’ World Series odds in 2022 are largely tied to their ability to hit. Bryce Harper and Rhys Hoskins have both hit five home runs in the team’s 11 postseason games, giving the Phillies 16 homers in those 11 games.

Harper, in particular, has been at another level, hitting .419 with an OPS of 1.351 in the playoffs. Behind Harper, the Phillies are averaging 5.2 runs per game during the postseason, which is more than Houston’s lineup has churned out.

Of course, the Phillies can’t rely on Harper alone carrying them to a championship. While Hoskins has five homers and Kyle Schwarber has three, both are hitting .200 or below in the playoffs. Alec Bohm and Nick Castellanos have also underperformed a little, batting .189 and .220, respectively, during the postseason. Plus, neither has hit a home run despite Philadelphia’s onslaught of power. The Phillies aren’t getting much out of the bottom of their lineup either, which is another area where the Astros might have an advantage.

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Will the Phillies win the 2022 World Series?

At this point, it’s hard to bet against the Phillies. They’ve eliminated the Cardinals, Braves, and Padres while going 9-2 during the playoffs. They are also a perfect 5-0 at Citizens Bank Park, making the Phillies a team that’s capable of holding serve at home.

However, while the Phillies will surely be a tough out, the Astros are an absolute buzzsaw. On paper, Houston has a slight edge over the Phillies in most areas.

Plus, the Astros are yet to lose a game during the playoffs and were the second-best home team in baseball during the regular season, which means Houston’s home-field advantage should mean something. Look for the Fightin’ Phils to put up a fight, but in the end, they’ll come up a little short with the Astros winning the World Series.

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