After a slow start to the 2023 campaign, the Phillies have won seven of their last 10 games. The reigning National League champs are also expected to reinstate Bryce Harper on their active roster this week — reportedly tonight at the Dodgers (editor’s note: the team confirmed Harper will play). Let’s break down the most up-to-date Bryce Harper odds, along with where Philadelphia stacks up in the MLB betting market.
Click on any of the odds below to place a bet.
Appraising Bryce Harper Odds
Per the odds above, the best available price tag on Harper to win NL MVP is . The two-time award winner last claimed it in 2021.
Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. is the favorite in this market at . However, Acuña left the second leg of Monday’s double-header against the Mets after he was hit by a pitch in the first inning.
Harper, who underwent Tommy John surgery in the offseason, has gained ground in his recovery to the point where neither swinging nor sliding is considered high risk. Harper will likely serve as the Phillies’ designated hitter, but he could see time at first base as well.
Harper opened the season at +6600, so the market has actually adjusted him down of late. Why? Because the 11-year veteran wasn’t expected to return until around the All-Star break. Dr. ElAttrache performed Harper’s on Nov. 23, and the typical rehab timeframe for position players is 9-12 months.
The Padres’ Juan Soto initially sat atop the odds board at roughly +550. But his .202/.373/.384 slash line, along with a measly .182 ISO, state the obvious. He’s currently . Hence, Harper may not be as far behind in the race as one may think at this point. That said, teammate Trea Turner’s presence in this market () doesn’t help his cause.
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Phillies’ Long-Term Prospects
Philly’s lineup hasn’t been heavily exploited without him, manufacturing the 12th-ranked wRC+ through Monday. Its rotation tells another story, placing No. 23 in FIP. Before Aaron Nola delivered an eight-inning gem against the Astros on Friday, his 13.1 K-BB% rate sat at the forefront of the Phillies’ concerns.
Outside of lefty reliever Jose Alvarado, who sports a ridiculous 0.55 FIP in 12 outings, their bullpen remains shaky too. Therefore, I don’t recommend betting Philadelphia’s World Series odds anytime soon, currently priced at .
Below are player props for Tuesday’s game in this NL clash. If Harper winds up returning to the lineup, bettors can price shop for the best odds among his individual prop markets.
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