January 20, 2019
Despite the constant stream of news that Bryce Harper and the Phillies now prefer each other, Las Vegas oddsmakers haven't yet bought in — still handicapping Harper's former team, the Nationals as the favorite to land the slugger.
According to BetDSI.com, the Phils have a +175 chance (the return on a $100 bet), while the Nats have a +150 chance. The Dodgers, White Sox and Cubs all are given an outside chance of signing the outfielder.
And even though many have stated that the Phillies will not sign both Manny Machado and Harper, Vegas seems to think there is a pretty goods chance it does happen. Bettors will find that Machado IS favored to ink with the Phillies, with almost even-money odds of +120.
Updated odds for which team Manny Machado will be on the first game of the 2019 MLB regular season (BetDSI):
— OddsShark (@OddsShark) January 19, 2019
Phillies +120
White Sox +150
Yankees +200
While we're on the topic of baseball and gambling, it's interesting to note that this ongoing saga has the Phillies on the map as World Series contenders, though it seems the longer it drags on, the lower their World Series odds get:
As the Phillies are in the running for Bryce Harper and Manny Machado, their World Series odds fell this past week to 14/1. Titles odds for the White Sox, Twins and Pirates also fell slightly. Complete World Series odds, updated here https://t.co/RvY8H4VC6h
— SportsLine (@SportsLine) January 16, 2019
Not even a playoff team last year, the Phillies have the ninth best odds of winning a championship (of 30 teams). They are behind the defending champs from Boston and then the Astros, Yankees, Dodgers, Cubs, Indians, Braves and Cardinals in that order. These odds will change based on who Philly signs — but if you are a true believer, place your bet now before the Phillies spend "stupid money" and move up in the betting hierarchy.
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