Phillies add Segura for 2019
The Philadelphia Phillies are hoping to make a run for the World Series in the 2019 MLB Season, recently making a trade to better their chances. Do oddsmakers see them as a contender?
Earlier this week, the Phillies acquired Seattle infielder Jean Segura from the Mariners in a multi-player trade that sends a lot of moving pieces around. However, Segura is the clear top piece in the deal. According to oddsmakers at BetNow.eu, the Phillies are currently listed with 15/1 odds to win the 2019 World Series. The Red Sox are a 6/1 favorite while the Houston Astros and New York Yankees each have 7/1 odds. The Phillies have the fifth-shortest odds to win the NLCS, currently listed at 8/1.
The Phillies are coming off an 80-82 record under first-year coach Gabe Kapler, which was their best record since 2012. Philly had a 49-32 record at home, but was just 31-50 on the road. Scoring runs was an issue, as they finished with 677 on the year while giving up 728.
The addition of Segura should help the offense as he is a player that has been able to get on base. In 2018, Segura hit .304 and had a .341 OBP. He drew 32 walks and had 178 hits with 69 strikeouts. He also had 20 stolen bases, 29 doubles, three triples, 10 home runs and 63 RBI while scoring 91 runs. Segura has hit over .300 in his last three seasons and has a WAR over 3.0 his last three years. His batting average would have led the Phillies this year and he also would have had the team-high in runs and stolen bases.