The Phillies and Mets aren't off to the starts they hoped for. Before the season began, oddsmakers favored New York to win the National League East at +135 on theScore Bet, with Philadelphia close behind at +175. The Mets also entered the campaign with the fourth-best odds (+1200) to win the World Series, while the Phillies had the sixth-best (+1400).
However, New York, stuck in a 12-game losing streak, holds the NL's worst record at 7-16 through 23 games. Meanwhile, the Phillies have dropped seven straight and own the second-worst record at 8-15.
The Braves are now the favorites to win the NL East at -160. Despite the Nationals and Marlins ahead of them in the standings, the Mets and Phillies share the second-best odds to win the division at +375. Both New York and Philadelphia have also seen their World Series odds drop, now tied for seventh-best at +2000.
Teams have played less than 15% of the 162-game season, which means there's plenty of time to crawl out of the basement.
A big issue for the Mets and Phillies is that neither is stringing together successful at-bats, making it difficult to score. New York ranks last in total runs and has the seventh-worst batting average. Philadelphia holds the third-worst batting average and has produced the third-fewest runs.
Still, there's reason for optimism. Juan Soto is returning to the Mets lineup on Wednesday night after missing nearly three weeks with a calf injury. Soto won't single-handedly turn New York's season around, but bringing one of MLB's best hitters back into the fold always helps.
Although the Phillies' defense and pitching are as much, if not more, of a problem than their hitting, they've suffered from bad luck that should flip eventually. Philadelphia has the worst BABIP (batting average on balls in play) against in the majors by a significant margin, even surpassing the lowest mark ever recorded in MLB history.
The Phillies continue their series Wednesday against the 14-9 Cubs as underdogs. Meanwhile, theScore Bet is offering a market on when the Mets will win their next game.
Mets next win odds
| Game | Odds |
|---|---|
| vs. Twins (4/22) | -160 |
| vs. Twins (4/23) | +300 |
| vs. Rockies (4/24) | +500 |
| vs. Rockies (4/25) | +2200 |
| vs. Rockies (4/26) | +5000 |
| On or after 4/28 | +7500 |
The Mets posted their franchise-record 17-game losing streak during their inaugural 1962 season. With Soto returning to the lineup, this year's skid isn't expected to last much longer, as New York is favored (-155) at home Wednesday against the 12-11 Twins.
Significant changes could be coming for the Mets and Phillies if they can't turn their seasons around in the next few weeks. For now, both have an opportunity to move back up the oddsboard if they can string a few wins together.
US: Must be 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER; Hope is here. Call (800)-327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org for 24/7 support (MA); Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY).
ON: Please play responsibly. 19+. ON only. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call ConnexOntario 24/7 at 1-866-531-2600. Text us at 247247 or chat with us at www.connexontario.ca.
