Phillies 2020 Season Preview
Ready to check out our 2020 Philadelphia Phillies predictions? Four teams have legitimate claims to be the National League East Division favorites going into 2020. Philadelphia is one of them, though its claim may be slightly weaker than the rest.
MLB Phillies Predictions & Handicapping Insight
The Phillies won exactly half their games in 2019 but return their core with a couple additions to bolster both the lineup and starting pitching rotation. But there’s a lot to compete with in the NL East.
2020 MLB Team Previews – Philadelphia Phillies
- Philadelphia Phillies 2020 National League East Odds: +400
- Philadelphia Phillies 2020 National League Odds: +1200
- Philadelphia Phillies 2020 World Series Odds: +4000
Key Additions:
- Zack Wheeler
- Didi Gregorius
- Francisco Liriano
Zack Wheeler shifted from New York to Philly in the free agent market on a 5-year $118 million deal. He’s never won more than 12 games in a single season but after an injury-riddled start to his career, he’s put together back-to-back complete seasons with solid numbers.
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Didi Gregorius slid in 2019 after two straight wonderful seasons at the plate in New York. He certainly enjoyed the short right-field porch at Yankee Stadium but Citizens Bank Park isn’t exactly a pitcher’s park, either.
Key Losses:
- Maikel Franco
- Jerad Eickhoff
- Cesar Hernandez
The Maikel Franco era comes to an end after he left for Kansas City in free-agency. He gave Philly fans more headaches than anything but his talent cannot be denied. I like him to surprise some people in the American League.
Jerad Eickhoff had his moments with the Phils but never quite stayed healthy and consistent enough to be a mainstay in the rotation.
Cesar Hernandez was a valuable utility man that the Phils may actually have the most difficult time replacing on the infield.
2020 Philadelphia Phillies Predictions: Projected Lineup:
- Andrew McCutchen OF
- JT Realmuto C
- Bryce Harper OF
- Rhys Hoskins 1B
- Didi Gregorius SS
- Jean Segura 2B
- Scott Kingery 3B
- Adam Haseley OF
Scott Kingery had a great 2019 and if he and his infield mates, who hit in a consecutive stretch from the middle to the bottom of the lineup, can match the top of the lineup, Philly could turn some heads.
What’s more likely is that Kingery takes a step back, as well as JT Realmuto, who was a star in his first season as a Phil.
And does Andrew McCutchen have a productive season left in him as a leadoff hitter? The lineup looks okay on paper here but it’s not far from really breaking apart.
2020 Philadelphia Phillies Predictions: Projected Rotation:
- Aaron Nola
- Zack Wheeler
- Jake Arrieta
- Vince Velasquez
- Zach Eflin
I wrote about Aaron Nola as a potential buy in the NL Cy Young futures market at 20-1. He has put together two consecutive healthy seasons after some problems prior. The Phillies hope he didn’t peak in 2018 when he finished third in the Cy Young voting.
Zach Eflin was quite good in 2019 and he would be one of the better fifth starters, if the two guys in front of him hold down their ends of the bargain.
Vince Velasquez has been the Maikel Franco of the rotation with all that he does well negated with poor performances and inconsistency.
Jake Arrieta is clearly on the decline but he remains in good physical shape. The addition of Wheeler was big just to take some of the pressure off of Arrieta to be a top-of-the-rotation guy. Now, he can slide into a more comfortable role and eat innings more than anything else.
2020 Philadelphia Phillies Predictions: Projected Closer:
- Hector Neris
The Phillies’ bullpen won’t be a strength this season, or at least I don’t expect it to. Bullpens come with more unpredictability than the lineup and rotation.
2020 Philadelphia Phillies Predictions: 78 Wins and 4th in the NL East (Bet Now at any of our reviewed MLB Sportsbooks!)
The team holds together when everyone is healthy but once the games begin and names start popping in and out of the lineup, the Phillies’ lack of depth will hurt them — even in a season significantly shorter than the standard 162 games.
What do you think of our 2020 Philadelphia Phillies predictions? Comments are welcome below.
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