Three former Phillies, namely Chase Utley, Ryan Madson, and José Bautista, are poised to enter the Hall of Fame ballot for the first time in 2024.
Alongside them, former teammates Jimmy Rollins, Bobby Abreu, and Billy Wagner continue their quest for the prestigious honor. Before the official ballot release on Monday, let’s delve into the potential candidacies of these three players.
José Bautista: Although Bautista spent only part of the 2018 season with the Phillies, his illustrious career unfolded after a challenging start. Drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2000, he journeyed through four teams in his debut year. Over 15 years, he played in eight different cities, primarily as a right fielder and third baseman.
Bautista’s turning point came with the Toronto Blue Jays, where he made six consecutive All-Star Games from 2010 to 2015, won three Silver Slugger Awards, and finished in the top eight in MVP voting four times. His career stats include 344 home runs, 975 RBI, and a .247/.361/.475 slash line. Although his Hall of Fame Monitor score is 78, suggesting lower odds of induction, his OPS+ of 124 ranks among the top eligible players for 2024.
Ryan Madson: Selected by the Phillies in the ninth round of the 1998 draft, Madson excelled as a relief pitcher during his nine-year tenure with the team, boasting a 47-30 record, 52 saves, and a 3.59 ERA. After taking over the closer role in 2011, he accumulated 32 saves but was not retained in free agency.
A comeback with the Kansas City Royals in 2015 showcased an impressive 2.13 ERA in 63 1/3 innings. Over eight seasons from 2007 to 2017, Madson posted a 2.77 ERA, 84 saves, and notable postseason success. Despite a Hall of Fame Monitor score of 41, his 125 ERA+ ranks fourth-best among potential ballot players, while his 1.242 WHIP is third-best.
Chase Utley: Utley, a beloved figure for Phillies fans, spent 13 years with the team, earning a reputation as an electric second baseman. His career, spanning 16 years, included four years with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Utley’s Phillies tenure saw him slash .282/.366/.481 with 233 home runs, 916 RBI, and 142 stolen bases.
Known for his defensive prowess and high success rate in stolen bases, Utley’s chances of Hall of Fame induction hinge on how voters weigh his peak years. From 2005 to 2009, he excelled with a .301 batting average, .388 OBP, and .535 slugging percentage, accumulating 146 home runs and 507 RBI. Despite a Hall of Fame Monitor score of 94 and being on the cusp, his 64.5 WAR is fifth-best, with the WAR for his top seven seasons ranking second-best at 49.3.
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