Over the last two years, no team has come closer to winning the World Series without actually winning it than the Philadelphia Phillies.
In 2022, they fell to the Houston Astros in the Fall Classic, losing in six games. Last year, they dropped a heartbreaking Game 7 to the Arizona Diamondbacks at home in the NLCS.
The Phillies have won 19 playoff games over the past two seasons -- the most in baseball during that time. And yet, they haven't found a way to finish the job in October.
Is this the year they finally get over the hump?
At least one respected baseball analyst thinks so.
On Wednesday, ESPN's Buster Olney revealed his World Series prediction on social media, picking Philadelphia to beat the New York Yankees.
Olney mentioned several reasons why he's confident in the Phillies. One is the motivation factor, as he thinks they'll be out for revenge after blowing their chance against the Diamondbacks last fall.
He also thinks Philadelphia's defense is better and believes Bryce Harper should be healthier after missing the start of last season with Tommy John surgery, which sapped his power.
Lastly, Olney cited the Phillies' aggressive front office and ownership group, which is clearly committed to winning and will likely add to the roster at the trade deadline.
Philadelphia proved they're all-in this year after re-signing top pitchers Aaron Nola and Zack Wheeler in the offseason. It also made a strong push for Yoshinobu Yamamoto, only to lose out to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Many people are picking the Dodgers to win it all this year, but Olney isn't one of them.
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