There is much to look forward to in the upcoming matchup between the Houston Astros and the Philadelphia Phillies in the 2022 World Series. The World Series is a best-of-seven series between October 28th and November 5th, with the only off days coming on the 30th and 3rd. It could, however, go only four days if one of the teams won all four games in a row.
The Astros went deep in the playoffs for five years straight with a controversial World Series win against the Dodgers in 2017. On the other hand, the Phillies haven’t been to a world series since 2009 and have missed the playoffs ten years in a row. Over the last three years, the Astros and Phillies have only met three times, with the Astros having a winning record of 2-1 against the Phillies.
Key Players to look for:
Astros:
Yordan Álvarez – As an up-and-coming star for the Astros’, Alvarez has put on a show this season and postseason with 37 home runs and hit a .306 regular season batting average. This postseason he has done even better, posting a .315 batting average and a substantial 1.056 OPS(on base % + slugging %). Although he is limited in his hitting ability because of the DH role, people will not think about that when he is up in a clutch situation when he is most likely about to deliver.
Justin Verlander – As the Astros’ infinitely young star (39yrs old), he has put up crazy numbers like a 1.75 ERA over 175 innings and collecting 185 strikeouts this season. Verlander is the number 1 contender for the AL CY Young award and will most definitely receive the award. Although his past playoff and World Series performances have not been at the same level as his regular season, you never know because the closer he gets to retirement, the better he has done in every aspect of his game.
Jose Altuve – One of the Astros’ most valuable players in franchise history, Altuve is coming off a good season, hitting .300 with 28 home runs. He has been notoriously great and clutch in playoff times. For example, Altuve sent the Astros to the World Series in 2019 with his walk-off homerun against Yankees star closer Aroldis Chapman. There is only one player with more post-season home runs than Altuve; the legend Barry Bonds.
Kyle Tucker – His young career has been very valuable to the Astros, especially in his last two years. Tucker has hit a combined 60 home runs in his previous two years and has a .283 batting average. His most impressive stat is that he has 107 RBIs this year alone. Tucker does not just produce behind the plate; he is also a reliable outfielder that is consistently good for the Astros’.
Framber Valdez – This season, Valdez has been a crucial part of the Astros’ pitching staff. He has given them many innings and effective innings. Leading with his world-class curveball, he pitched to a 2.82 ERA over 134.2 innings and collected 194 strikeouts. His most impressive stat is his ability to limit home runs, with only giving up 12 this past season, which will be a good tool against the Phillies because they have an above-average amount of runs coming from homers.
Alex Bregman – After a very productive season, Bregman is likely also to produce good numbers in the World Series. He has hit a modest .259 batting average, but he is spectacular in the stat OPS+ category(on base % + slugging % compared to league average) with a 134 OPS+.
Phillies
Bryce Harper – Since 2018, Harper has been the Phillies’ star player, although they haven’t been that good until this year. His offensive and defensive numbers have been excellent and consistent only when he is not injured. This season he has hit .286 and launched a league average of 18 home runs the season as a DH due to a left thumb injury. Even through all of this, Harper has been a fabulous postseason hitter this year, and his time in Washington from 2012 to 2018.
Aaron Nola – As an excellent asset on the Phillies’ defense this season, Nola has been a reliable and efficient pitcher that the Phillies have relied on to go deep in games, and it has worked, considering where they’re standing. He is coming off the best season of his eight-year career, going 205 innings, striking out 235, and with a minuscule 3.25 ERA. Nola will be a powerful tool that the Phillies staff will be sure to use to their full potential.
J.T. Realmuto – As one of the best catchers in the league right now, Realmuto has silently carried the Phillies both behind the plate and in the batter’s box. He has been one of, if not the best hitting catchers this year, with a .276 batting average and 84 RBIs. One way of measuring his value to the team is WAR(Wins Above Replacement – just his direct and indirect contribution); Realmuto’s WAR sits at a staggering 5.5.
Kyle Schwarber – Although having a slightly above-average career, Schwarber has put on a show in the Phillies uniform. This season, his basic batting average has not been extraordinary; .218, but his more specific stats reflect his actual value to the team. As a close-ish second to Aaron Judge, Schwarber has hit 46 homerun this season and has 70 extra-base hits (double, triple, homerun). His selfless play has led him to have 94 RBIs, which has a lot to do with his consistent ability to hit the ball far and high, no matter who is pitching.
There will be a lot of good action, good pitching, and hopefully some exciting games in this upcoming MLB Championship Series. Deciding between the Astros and the Phillies for who will bring home the #1 – World Champion title. Hopefully, the teams will play fairly and represent baseball for the 118th World Series Championship Series!
Stay tuned to the Roundup for more coverage of the World Series!
