The World Series begins Friday, featuring a matchup that might not be exactly what it appears to be.
The Houston Astros have dominanted all season, winning 106 games and running through the playoffs without a loss. The Philadelphia Phillies used a late-season run to sneak in as a Wild Card, riding that wave to a pennant.
But this series anything but a meeting between David vs. Goliath. Philadelphia is simply playing up to its potential, finally, and can absolutely knock off the favored Astros.
So we’re here to help you make some bets on a winner, series length, MVP and even a home run leader. Odds are from BetMGM.
Winner & Series Length
Prince Grimes: Astros in 6 (+400)
I’m rolling with Houston for one reason only: the pitching staff. It’s been one of the best in baseball all season long, and that’s carried over into the playoffs. Between Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola and Ranger Suarez, the Phillies should be able to get a couple games. But Houston can outlast them with the likes of Justin Verlander, Framber Valdez, Lance McCullers and a much deeper bullpen that’s also fresher for playing four fewer games in these playoffs.
Blake Schuster: Astros in 5 (+400)
I don’t have the courage to take Houston in four, even though that’s what my heart is telling me to do. My brain says Philadelphia steals one game at home, but damn if these Astros aren’t unstoppable. They’re 7-0 to begin the postseason and haven’t even gotten much out of Jose Altuve (.094/.171/.125), Trey Mancini (0-for-12) or really had to use the likes of shutdown reliever Ryne Stanek (two appearances). Houston has no holes in its lineup and even when guys aren’t producing, their pitching is good enough to win the series itself.
Caroline Darney: Phillies in 6 (+600)
This Phillies team has momentum right now, and I’m going with it. The star hitters — Bryce Harper, Rhys Hoskins and Kyle Schwarber — are SLUGGING right now, but if Philadelphia wants to win the World Series, they need the pitching to show up. Pitching depth favors Houston, but October magic seemingly favors the Phillies. I love October magic.
Andy Nesbitt: Phillies in 5 (+700)
The Phillies have been the hottest team in baseball for a while now and we all know nothing can beat magic in the playoffs (I might have made that up) and I feel like the magic will lead to a parade in Philadelphia sometime in the next few weeks.
MVP
Prince: Alex Bregman (+1000)
I guess I have to stick with Bregman after placing him first on my list of top 6 best bets. But the point remains, he’ll have plenty opportunities to drive in runs from Houston’s clean-up spot. And one thing I didn’t mention is the edge he’ll have against Philadelphia’s top pitchers, who have worse splits against right-handed hitters than lefties. That gives Bregman a little advantage over teammate and betting favorite Yordan Álvarez.
Blake: Cristian Javier (+3000)
This is a dart throw with some logic behind it. Let’s start with the fact Javier is absolutely nasty. The righty’s strikeouts per nine innings sat at a career-high 11.7 during the season and he’s already punched out seven in 6.2 playoff innings this year. Beyond that, Javier is one of Houston’s more reliable arms who can start, come on in relief and pitch on short rest. If he does all three of those things well during this series—and it’s hard to imagine he won’t if given the opportunity—I think he might just have enough of a resume to nab MVP.
Caroline: Bryce Harper (+700)
If Philly wins, it will be because their big hitter gets big hits. He went 8-for-20 (.400) against the Padres with two home runs and five runs batted in. Harper has been clutch in the big moments in the postseason, and if they want to win the World Series, he’ll have to continue.
BRYCE HARPER IS A PHILADELPHIA PHILLIE pic.twitter.com/UjLTijwIqe
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) October 23, 2022
Andy: Rhys Hoskins (+1800)
He already has like 62 home runs in the postseason and I bet he’ll hit a few more here and be named MVP.
Home Run Leader
Prince: Kyle Schwarber (+350)
Schwarber does most of his damage against righties, and outside of Framber Valdez, Houston has a staff full of them. I could see him running into a few solo shots. He has three homers in his last five games.
Blake: Yordan Alvarez (+350)
I’ll take the other odds-on favorite. If Yordan makes contact with the ball, it goes far. This is my very fancy analysis.
Caroline: Yordan Alvarez (+350)
What Blake said.
Andy: Rhys Hoskins (+850)
Again, he’s a home run machine right now.
