Betting markets see potential, but potential doesn’t win championships. Performance does. And if you’re looking for an edge when analyzing their chances this year, you need to know which players aren’t just filling up the stat sheet but are actually shifting the balance of games.
Zack Wheeler
Zach Wheeler might not always command national headlines, but his 2024 numbers speak for themselves—he’s quietly become one of the most reliable pitchers in the game. It’s no surprise, then, that his presence has started to influence MLB World Series odds on many sportsbooks. These odds and changes can be useful for those keeping a close eye on postseason projections.
Wheeler wrapped up the 2024 regular season with a 2.57 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, and 224 strikeouts over 200 innings. Opposing hitters batted just .192 against him, and he was even tougher under pressure, allowing a .186 average with runners in scoring position. His four-seam fastball remained one of the most effective pitches in the league, consistently generating weak contact and late swings, particularly in tight-game scenarios.
What separates Wheeler is how strong he finishes seasons. His velocity and command hold up deep into the year, something most starters can’t claim. In his final few starts of 2024, he posted multiple quality outings, continued to rack up strikeouts, and showed no signs of wear.
When October rolls around, managers look for arms they can trust to go deep without blinking. Wheeler is that guy. And if the Phillies make a push, his presence atop the rotation will be one of the biggest reasons why.
Bryce Harper
Bryce Harper's 2024 season was a testament to his enduring impact on the Phillies' lineup. Over 145 games, he posted a .285 batting average, a .373 on-base percentage, and a .525 slugging percentage, finishing with an intense .898 OPS. He slugged 30 home runs, drove in 87 RBIs, and matched his career high with 42 doubles, initially set in 2021.
His performance didn’t go unnoticed. Harper earned his fourth career Silver Slugger Award and finished sixth in the National League MVP voting, adding to a résumé that already places him among the game’s most decorated active players.
Harper also made a full transition to first base, a move that highlighted both his athleticism and team-first mentality. He was named a finalist for the Rawlings Gold Glove Award at the position, a rare feat for someone adapting to a new defensive role.
Bryson Stott
It’s easy to overlook someone like Bryson Stott when bigger names grab the spotlight, but teams don’t win in October without guys like him. Stott’s bat-to-ball skills and defensive range give the Phillies flexibility that doesn’t always appear in a highlight reel. But ask pitchers how valuable it is to have middle infielders who convert borderline plays into outs, and they’ll tell you it changes everything.
In the 2024 season, Stott recorded a .245 batting average over 506 at-bats, accompanied by 11 home runs and 57 RBIs. While specific metrics like contact rate aren't readily available, his performance at the plate reflects a consistent ability to put the ball in play and challenge opposing defenses. He also stole 32 bases, showcasing his agility and adding a dynamic element to the Phillies' offense. Dig into his zone coverage, and you’ll notice how few pitches he gives away. He’s a grinder at the plate and a stabilizer in the field. There’s a reason the Phillies don’t have to shift much when he’s out there.
Trea Turner
Speed still kills, especially in a postseason where 90 feet can change a game. Trea Turner brings more than just stolen bases. His reads off the bat and ability to take the extra base without hesitation give the Phillies an edge in transition moments. But what shifts the game is his timing. He doesn’t just run fast. He runs smart.
Last season, Turner played in 121 games, posting a .295 batting average, .338 on-base percentage, and .469 slugging percentage, good for a .807 OPS. He added 21 home runs, 62 RBIs, and 19 stolen bases, proving he can contribute as a power threat and a spark on the basepaths.
While his stolen base total was down slightly from past seasons, his aggressive baserunning remained a constant weapon, stretching singles into doubles and forcing mistakes with his jumps and reads. When your name starts getting mentioned on This Week in MLB on FanDuel, you know people are paying attention, and Turner’s has come up plenty.
Ranger Suárez
Ask insiders about Ranger Suárez, and you’ll hear one thing: he’s built for big moments. His 2024 campaign was a testament to his versatility and calm under pressure, offering the kind of stability few left-handers bring to a playoff rotation.
Suárez made 27 starts during the regular season, posting a 12-8 record, a 3.46 ERA, and 145 strikeouts across 150.2 innings with a 1.20 WHIP. He opened the season in dominant form, earning National League Pitcher of the Month honors for April after going 5-0 with a 1.32 ERA and a 0.63 WHIP that month, highlighted by a complete-game shutout against Colorado.
But if there’s one area where Suárez truly separates himself, it’s October. Across 10 career postseason appearances, he’s recorded a 3-1 record, a 1.43 ERA, and 40 strikeouts, along with a save. Whether he’s starting a game, working in relief, or cleaning up a jam, Suárez brings a level of composure that rarely flinches, no matter how loud the stadium or how tight the moment.
Wrapping Up
Philadelphia has a roster built for deep October baseball, and it’s not because of one player. It’s because of how the key players interact, adapt, and elevate at the right times. It won't be a fluke if they make it to the World Series. It’ll be the sum of every quiet adjustment, every clutch moment, and every player who knows how to turn a close game into a win.
Zach Wheeler might not always command national headlines, but his 2024 numbers speak for themselves—he’s quietly become one of the most reliable pitchers in the game. It’s no surprise, then, that his presence has started to influence MLB World Series odds on many sportsbooks. These odds and changes can be useful for those keeping a close eye on postseason projections.
Wheeler wrapped up the 2024 regular season with a 2.57 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, and 224 strikeouts over 200 innings. Opposing hitters batted just .192 against him, and he was even tougher under pressure, allowing a .186 average with runners in scoring position. His four-seam fastball remained one of the most effective pitches in the league, consistently generating weak contact and late swings, particularly in tight-game scenarios.
What separates Wheeler is how strong he finishes seasons. His velocity and command hold up deep into the year, something most starters can’t claim. In his final few starts of 2024, he posted multiple quality outings, continued to rack up strikeouts, and showed no signs of wear.
When October rolls around, managers look for arms they can trust to go deep without blinking. Wheeler is that guy. And if the Phillies make a push, his presence atop the rotation will be one of the biggest reasons why.
Bryce Harper
Bryce Harper's 2024 season was a testament to his enduring impact on the Phillies' lineup. Over 145 games, he posted a .285 batting average, a .373 on-base percentage, and a .525 slugging percentage, finishing with an intense .898 OPS. He slugged 30 home runs, drove in 87 RBIs, and matched his career high with 42 doubles, initially set in 2021.
His performance didn’t go unnoticed. Harper earned his fourth career Silver Slugger Award and finished sixth in the National League MVP voting, adding to a résumé that already places him among the game’s most decorated active players.
Harper also made a full transition to first base, a move that highlighted both his athleticism and team-first mentality. He was named a finalist for the Rawlings Gold Glove Award at the position, a rare feat for someone adapting to a new defensive role.
Bryson Stott
It’s easy to overlook someone like Bryson Stott when bigger names grab the spotlight, but teams don’t win in October without guys like him. Stott’s bat-to-ball skills and defensive range give the Phillies flexibility that doesn’t always appear in a highlight reel. But ask pitchers how valuable it is to have middle infielders who convert borderline plays into outs, and they’ll tell you it changes everything.
In the 2024 season, Stott recorded a .245 batting average over 506 at-bats, accompanied by 11 home runs and 57 RBIs. While specific metrics like contact rate aren't readily available, his performance at the plate reflects a consistent ability to put the ball in play and challenge opposing defenses. He also stole 32 bases, showcasing his agility and adding a dynamic element to the Phillies' offense. Dig into his zone coverage, and you’ll notice how few pitches he gives away. He’s a grinder at the plate and a stabilizer in the field. There’s a reason the Phillies don’t have to shift much when he’s out there.
Trea Turner
Speed still kills, especially in a postseason where 90 feet can change a game. Trea Turner brings more than just stolen bases. His reads off the bat and ability to take the extra base without hesitation give the Phillies an edge in transition moments. But what shifts the game is his timing. He doesn’t just run fast. He runs smart.
Last season, Turner played in 121 games, posting a .295 batting average, .338 on-base percentage, and .469 slugging percentage, good for a .807 OPS. He added 21 home runs, 62 RBIs, and 19 stolen bases, proving he can contribute as a power threat and a spark on the basepaths.
While his stolen base total was down slightly from past seasons, his aggressive baserunning remained a constant weapon, stretching singles into doubles and forcing mistakes with his jumps and reads. When your name starts getting mentioned on This Week in MLB on FanDuel, you know people are paying attention, and Turner’s has come up plenty.
Ranger Suárez
Ask insiders about Ranger Suárez, and you’ll hear one thing: he’s built for big moments. His 2024 campaign was a testament to his versatility and calm under pressure, offering the kind of stability few left-handers bring to a playoff rotation.
Suárez made 27 starts during the regular season, posting a 12-8 record, a 3.46 ERA, and 145 strikeouts across 150.2 innings with a 1.20 WHIP. He opened the season in dominant form, earning National League Pitcher of the Month honors for April after going 5-0 with a 1.32 ERA and a 0.63 WHIP that month, highlighted by a complete-game shutout against Colorado.
But if there’s one area where Suárez truly separates himself, it’s October. Across 10 career postseason appearances, he’s recorded a 3-1 record, a 1.43 ERA, and 40 strikeouts, along with a save. Whether he’s starting a game, working in relief, or cleaning up a jam, Suárez brings a level of composure that rarely flinches, no matter how loud the stadium or how tight the moment.
Wrapping Up
Philadelphia has a roster built for deep October baseball, and it’s not because of one player. It’s because of how the key players interact, adapt, and elevate at the right times. It won't be a fluke if they make it to the World Series. It’ll be the sum of every quiet adjustment, every clutch moment, and every player who knows how to turn a close game into a win.
