The upcoming World Series would’ve sounded strange six months ago. The Astros had been to the World Series in three of the past five years, but the Phillies hadn’t been to the playoffs in 11 years. Even as recently as a few weeks ago, the matchup would’ve felt far-fetched. The Astros had an American League-best 106 wins, while the Phillies’ 87 wins barely secured them the National League’s final playoff spot.

Nothing that happens now should be a surprise. It was only four years ago that the 107-win Astros were upset by the 93-win Nationals.

These are the 10 people who will have the greatest impact on determining the winner of the 118^th World Series, which begins tonight in Houston (8 p.m. ET, Fox):

Bryce Harper