It looks like the defending champions may grab the World Series title yet again! The Los Angeles Dodgers seem like the favorites while entering the 2025 season. But that doesn’t guarantee them a World Series title, as other teams can give them tough competition. When asked about which team may take down the Dodgers in October, an MLB insider thinks that the Philadelphia Phillies may be the only team to make that happen. Any reason behind that?

Well, throughout 162 games, while no one believes that any team can knock the Dodgers out in October, one of the insiders stresses on the Phillies. They can be the only team that can match the highly capable Dodgers’ pitching, as they have a better track record of keeping the players healthy. And that might be a differentiating factor, which can make the Phillies take down the Dodgers. So, what’s the case for the Phillies?

Well, the Philadelphia Phillies boast a strong starting pitching option. MLB insider David Schoenfield said, “Call this old-school thinking, but I’ll still bet on starting pitching in October, and the Phillies might be the only team that can match the Dodgers’ high-end potential in this department—except the Phillies have a much better track record of keeping their starters healthy.” Going by what he said, it is very much true that the Phillies have managed to keep their starters healthy. They have Zack Wheeler at the top, who had a 2.18 ERA across the 70 postseason innings. But the Phillies don’t stop here!

They have even included Jesus Luzardo and Andrew Painter, along with Cristopher Sanchez, who looks to be a sure-shot Cy Young winner soon. The Philadelphia Phillies have strengthened their roster with the addition of these players, and they surely can block the Dodgers’ offensive ability. It’s more likely that the Phillies may even knock out the Dodgers in October, as they have a record of being in the playoffs multiple times, which the other teams weren’t able to. Despite the old-school thinking that might need some upgrade, the Phillies can rely on Bryce Harper, who has been a great hitter, having over 1.000 OPS and Kyle Schwarber slugging at.539.

Do you think the Phillies can beat the Dodgers?

The Philadelphia Phillies will need everyone to step up together

While according to MLB insider David Schoenfield, the Philadelphia Phillies look to be a major contender for the World Series title, it doesn’t guarantee their win against the Dodgers. Every player on the roster must step up and perform the necessary actions if the Phillies are to defeat the Los Angeles Dodgers. Their hitters, including Trea Turner, Kyle Schwarber, and Bryce Harper, will need to produce well. The inclusion of a left-hander, Max Kepler, could also bolster their lineup. But that’s not all!

The Phillies would like to focus on the starting pitching, keeping an elite arm in the bullpen and another left-hander, which could rattle the Dodgers lineup. However, everything aside, it is the Phillies’ starting pitching that sets them apart from the Dodgers. So, they would also have to rely on how well Jordan Romano pitches and, at the same time, allow Jose Alavardo to make a quick turnaround during the game in October. Meanwhile, there’s some good news for the Phillies, as their pitcher, Matt Strahm, who was out due to injury, is also slated to be present on Opening Day on Saturday.

What, according to you, might be the turning point for the Phillies? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.