The New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies open the MLB second half on July 16 at Citizens Bank Park, 6 p.m. ET on ESPN. This series will likely determine the NL East champion.
The Phillies hold a 3.5-game lead. The Mets are within striking distance. BetMGM’s $1,500 bonus code ‘CBSSPORTS’ gives bettors a significant edge on this pivotal matchup.
1. The Philly Fun Continues: Mets vs. Phillies on ESPN
Citizens Bank Park expects a sellout crowd. The atmosphere is electric. Philadelphia’s fan base is known for its intensity, especially against the Mets.
Probable starters are yet to be announced. Both teams are expected to deploy their top arms. Historical data shows second-half openers between these rivals have swung division races by 2-3 games.
2. BetMGM Bonus Code CBSSPORTS: $1,500 in Bonus Bets
Claiming the bonus requires a deposit of at least $10. Use the code ‘CBSSPORTS’. BetMGM then matches your first bet up to $1,500 in bonus bets.
Deploy bonus bets on the moneyline, run line, or player props. Compare this offer to DraftKings or FanDuel; BetMGM’s $1,500 threshold is the highest for this specific series.
| Sportsbook | Bonus Amount | Code Required |
|---|---|---|
| BetMGM | $1,500 | CBSSPORTS |
| DraftKings | $1,000 | No |
| FanDuel | $1,000 | No |
3. The Opener: Deadline Outlooks and Payroll Tracker
Per MLB Trade Rumors, the Mets are expected to begin a sell-off before the July 31 deadline. Veterans like Pete Alonso and J.D. Martinez are on the block. This could weaken the lineup after the break.
The Phillies placed Brad Keller on the IL with a UCL tear. His absence opens payroll flexibility. Philadelphia is $12 million under the first luxury tax threshold, per the payroll tracker.
Luxury tax implications: Mets are $45 million above the threshold. They may trade salary to reset penalties.
4. Key Player Matchups
Mets ace Kodai Senga (8-4, 3.12 ERA) is likely to start. Phillies counter with Zack Wheeler (10-3, 2.89 ERA). Wheeler has a 2.35 ERA in his last three starts against the Mets.
Hitter vs. pitcher data: Bryce Harper is 4-for-12 with two home runs against Senga. Francisco Lindor is 3-for-14 with five strikeouts against Wheeler.
Bullpen usage is critical. Both teams have rested arms after the All-Star break.
5. Betting Strategies Using the $1,500 Bonus
Best bet: Phillies moneyline at -120. The over/under is set at 8.5 runs. Player prop: Harper over 1.5 total bases (+150).
Hedge by placing a small wager on the Mets to win the series at +200. Use bonus bets on same-game parlays to maximize payout potential.
Long-term angle: Bet the Phillies to win the NL East at -150, boosted by bonus bets. The Mets’ sell-off makes their playoff odds longer.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: When do the Mets vs Phillies series start?
- A: The series opens on July 16 at 6 p.m. ET at Citizens Bank Park, broadcast on ESPN.
- Q: What is the BetMGM $1,500 bonus and how to claim it?
- A: BetMGM offers up to $1,500 in bonus bets. Deposit at least $10 and use code ‘CBSSPORTS’ to get your first bet matched.
- Q: How does this series affect the NL East race?
- A: The Phillies lead by 3.5 games. Historical data shows second-half openers between these rivals can swing division races by 2-3 games.
- Q: Are the Mets expected to trade players before the deadline?
- A: Yes, per MLB Trade Rumors, the Mets may sell off veterans like Pete Alonso and J.D. Martinez before July 31.
Extended Reading
Details sourced from MLB.com, CBS Sports, and MLB Trade Rumors. The BetMGM offer is valid for new users only. Terms apply.