Is This the Year the Phillies Finally Get Their Due?

Wagner finally in, Utley trending toward eventual Hall of Fame election?

There was no doubt about Ichiro and little doubt about CC Sabathia, but one-time Phillies closer Billy Wagner still had to sweat it out in his 10th and final year on the Baseball Hall of Fame ballot, finally clearing the 75% voting threshold for enshrinement.

Wagner, who fell just five votes shy a year ago, received 82.5% of votes this time and was one of three players voted in by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America, along with Ichiro and Sabathia. Former Braves all-world centerfielder Andruw Jones fell about 30 votes short, appearing on just over 66% of ballots. He and Carlos Beltran (70%) were the two nearest misses but are trending toward election.

So is Chase Utley, one of the biggest risers in the field. The only five players to receive more votes this year were the three elected, Beltran and Jones. Utley received 39.8% of Hall of Fame votes this time around after appearing on 28.8% of ballots in 2024, his first year of eligibility.

For reference, Wagner had a similar vote total in 2021, four years before making it in. Utley should see another increase in 2026 when there aren’t sure-fire first-timers on the ballot like Ichiro and Sabathia. Cole Hamels will probably be the biggest new name eligible next year followed by a massive drop-off to potential one-and-dones like Shin-Soo Choo and Alex Gordon.

Former Phillies Bobby Abreu and Jimmy Rollins each received 14.8% of votes last year and jumped to 19.5% and 18%, respectively. Abreu is a quintessential example of a player whose skill set has gained more appreciation through the years, but he’ll have only four more chances via the writers’ ballot. This was Year 4 for Rollins.

It is clear that the voting body values Utley far above the other two. From 2005-09, he was perhaps the best overall player in baseball, hitting .301/.388/.535 with elite defense, elite baserunning and averages of 39 doubles, 29 home runs, 101 RBI and 111 runs scored.

The question was always whether that peak was long enough. Two years into the process, it looks like the answer could be yes. Former Phillie Dick Allen will be inducted posthumously this summer in Cooperstown after being elected with Dave Parker via a Veterans Committee ballot in December.

Wagner’s Road to Cooperstown

Wagner’s Vote Total and the 75% Threshold

• • • Wagner received 82.5% of votes this time, surpassing the 75% threshold for enshrinement.
    • He fell just five votes shy a year ago, indicating a significant increase in support.

Comparing Wagner’s Vote Totals to His Eligibility Years

• • • • Wagner had a similar vote total in 2021, four years before making it in.
      • His vote total has increased significantly over the years, indicating growing recognition of his achievements.

The Significance of Wagner’s Induction for His Legacy

Wagner’s induction into the Hall of Fame cements his status as one of the greatest closers in baseball history, solidifying his legacy as a dominant force in the sport.

Utley’s Rise Towards Hall of Fame Election

Utley’s Vote Total and Year-Over-Year Growth

• • • Utley received 39.8% of Hall of Fame votes this time around after appearing on 28.8% of ballots in 2024, his first year of eligibility.
    • He has seen significant growth in his vote total over the years, indicating increasing recognition of his achievements.

Comparing Utley’s Stats to His Hall of Fame Worthy Peers

• • • • Utley’s impressive statistics, including .301/.388/.535, place him among the best in baseball history.
      • His elite defense and baserunning skills further solidify his case for the Hall of Fame.

The Potential for Utley to Join the Phillies’ Hall of Famers

Utley’s achievements and statistics make a strong case for his induction into the Hall of Fame, potentially joining other notable Phillies such as Mike Schmidt and Robin Roberts.

A Glimpse into the Future: Utley’s Chances in 2026

The Impact of Ichiro and Sabathia’s Absence in 2026

• • • The absence of Ichiro and Sabathia from the ballot may lead to increased support for Utley and other candidates.
    • This could result in a significant increase in Utley’s vote total in 2026.

The Rise of Cole Hamels and Other Potential Candidates

• • • • Cole Hamels is likely to be the biggest new name eligible next year, potentially drawing attention away from Utley and other candidates.
      • Other potential candidates, such as Shin-Soo Choo and Alex Gordon, may also affect the ballot.

The Possibility of Utley’s Breakthrough in 2026

Utley’s increased visibility and support may lead to a significant breakthrough in 2026, potentially propelling him into the Hall of Fame.

The Voting Body’s Shift in Perception: Abreu, Rollins, and Utley’s Growth in Appreciation

The Quintessential Example of Bobby Abreu

Abreu’s Skill Set and Its Growing Appreciation

• • • Abreu’s skill set, including his power hitting and strong defense, has gained more recognition over the years.
    • This increased appreciation has led to a significant increase in his vote total.

The Limited Chances for Abreu to Make the Hall of Fame

Abreu has only four remaining chances via the writers’ ballot, which may limit his chances of induction.

The Impact of Abreu’s Voting Trends on His Legacy

Abreu’s growing recognition and increased vote total will likely have a lasting impact on his legacy, even if he doesn’t make the Hall of Fame.

Jimmy Rollins’ Steady Growth and the Voting Body’s Response

Rollins’ Stats and Their Increasing Recognition

• • • • Rollins’ impressive statistics, including his 245 home runs, have gained more recognition over the years.
      • This increased appreciation has led to a significant increase in his vote total.

The Limited Time Rollins Has Left to Make the Hall of Fame

Rollins has only one remaining chance to make the Hall of Fame, which may limit his chances.

The Possibility of Rollins Joining the Phillies’ Hall of Famers

Rollins’ achievements and statistics make a strong case for his induction into the Hall of Fame, potentially joining other notable Phillies such as Mike Schmidt and Robin Roberts.

Utley’s Unparalleled Appreciation from the Voting Body

Utley’s Stats and Their Dominance During His Peak

• • • • • Utley’s impressive statistics, including .301/.388/.535, dominated during his peak years.
        • His elite defense and baserunning skills further solidify his case for the Hall of Fame.

The Question of Whether Utley’s Peak Was Long Enough

Utley’s peak years were significant, but the question remains whether they were long enough to justify his induction into the Hall of Fame.

The Growing Confidence in Utley’s Hall of Fame Worthy Credentials

Utley’s growing recognition and increased vote total will likely have a lasting impact on his legacy, even if the question of his peak remains unanswered.

Practical Implications and the Phillies’ Present

Alec Bohm’s Injury and the Phillies’ Roster Implications

Bohm’s Condition and His Expected Return to the Field

• • • Bohm is currently dealing with a left hand strain, which may impact his availability for the remainder of the season.
    • His expected return to the field is uncertain, but it may be in Miami due to the team’s desire to avoid placing him on the injured list.

The Impact of Bohm’s Absence on the Phillies’ Lineup

Bohm’s absence may impact the Phillies’ lineup, particularly at the third base position.

The Possibility of Bohm’s Return to the Field in Miami

The Phillies’ desire to avoid placing Bohm on the injured list may lead to his return to the field in Miami.

Nick Castellanos and the Phillies’ Cleanup Spot

Castellanos’ Performance During Bohm’s Absence

• • • • Castellanos has performed well in Bohm’s absence, including a three-run homer off Justin Verlander.
      • His performance has strengthened his case for staying in the cleanup spot.

The Possibility of Castellanos Staying in the Cleanup Spot

Castellanos’ performance may lead to him staying in the cleanup spot, potentially impacting the Phillies’ lineup.

The Impact of Castellanos’ Performance on the Phillies’ Lineup

Castellanos’ performance may lead to a significant impact on the Phillies’ lineup, particularly at the cleanup spot.