The Philadelphia Phillies are ready to rally behind an engaged city full of passionate fans, looking for their first World Series victory since 2008.
In front of them, they will have the American League’s best and most consistent team: the Houston Astros, who won 106 regular season games and are 7-0 in the 2022 edition of the playoffs.
The Phils are definitely the underdogs, having finished the regular season with an 87-75 record and the sixth and last seed in the National League.
The wise leadership of their manager Rob Thompson, the thunderous bat of outfielder Bryce Harper, and the help of his supporting cast have made sure the Phillies are competitive.
Houston may be undefeated in the playoffs, but Philadelphia is 9-2 and has taken down the NL Central champs, the reigning World Champions, and the team that defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers (the San Diego Padres), one by one.
A few hours ahead of the play ball voice for Game 1 of the Fall Classic, the Phils announced their roster.
Our 2022 #WorldSeries roster is set! pic.twitter.com/JWFLpP5Zeq
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) October 28, 2022
An Incredibly Talented Roster
It may not be quite as deep as the Astros’, but it’s filled with star-level players and difference-makers.
Harper and Rhys Hoskins each have five homers in the playoffs, while Kyle Schwarber‘s OPS is .832 with three jacks.
J.T. Realmuto is quite likely MLB’s top catcher, and Zack Wheeler may very well be the best starter in the series, competing with Houston’s Game 1 pitcher, Justin Verlander.
The Phillies also managed to build a solid bullpen, led by Seranthony Dominguez, David Robertson, and Jose Alvarado.
Evidently, there is more than enough firepower for Philadelphia to shock everyone and stun the Astros.
They will have to be near perfect, though.
