As Hall of Fame ballots start to surface this time of year, one in particular is making waves-and not in a good way if you're a New York Mets fan or, frankly, a fan of Hall of Fame standards. A recently revealed BBWAA ballot, shared publicly by Dan Gelston, features just two names: Jimmy Rollins and Chase Utley.
Yes, that’s it. No Andruw Jones.
No Carlos Beltrán. Not even Bobby Abreu.
Just two longtime Phillies teammates who were key pieces of the 2008 World Series squad. It’s the kind of ballot that raises eyebrows, not because Rollins and Utley don’t deserve consideration-they do-but because of who isn’t on it.
Let’s break it down.
Rollins and Utley: Hall-Worthy or Just Hall-Adjacent?
Start with Jimmy Rollins. A former MVP, Gold Glove shortstop, and the heart-and-soul of a championship team.
He was durable, dynamic, and a leader. But his offensive numbers don’t scream “automatic Hall of Famer.”
He’s more in that “very good for a long time” category. Think David Wright, but without the injury setbacks.
Wright had a higher peak, Rollins had the longevity and hardware. Reasonable minds can disagree.
Then there’s Chase Utley. His Hall case is stronger.
At his peak, he was arguably the best second baseman in the game-a blend of power, defense, and baseball IQ. He didn’t just play the game hard; he played it smart.
But even Utley sits on the borderline. He’s a sabermetric darling with a compelling case, but not a slam dunk.
Voting for both? Totally fair.
Voting for only those two? Now we’ve got questions.
The Omission of Andruw Jones
Andruw Jones is one of the most glaring omissions on this ballot. Ten Gold Gloves in center field.
Over 400 home runs. A defensive wizard in his prime who also brought serious pop at the plate.
Sure, his career tailed off sharply after age 30, but his peak was elite. He’s the kind of player who, if he played today, would be a Statcast favorite.
Leaving him off feels like ignoring one of the most dominant defensive center fielders in modern history.
Beltrán Still Paying the Price?
Carlos Beltrán’s case is complicated, but not because of his numbers. His résumé-435 homers, over 2,700 hits, nine All-Star appearances, and a reputation as one of the best postseason hitters of his era-should be more than enough.
But the 2017 Astros scandal still casts a shadow. Some voters clearly aren’t ready to forgive.
Still, there’s a difference between holding off for a year or two and pretending he’s not even worth a vote.
No Love for Bobby Abreu?
Then there’s Bobby Abreu. He might not have the postseason legacy or MVP awards, but his numbers stack up.
Over 2,400 hits, a .291 career average, nearly 300 home runs, and more than 400 stolen bases. He reached base in his sleep and was one of the most underrated players of his era.
He’s not as beloved in Philly as Rollins or Utley-largely because he played on some underwhelming teams-but the numbers are the numbers. If you’re voting with objectivity, Abreu deserves a long look.
A Ballot That Feels More Nostalgic Than Analytical
This ballot reads like a tribute to the 2008 Phillies, not a serious evaluation of Hall of Fame merit. And that’s where it gets tricky.
Everyone is entitled to their vote, and part of the beauty of the Hall of Fame process is the diversity of opinion. But when a ballot goes public, it invites scrutiny-and this one is going to get plenty of it.
Leaving off players with stronger statistical and historical cases in favor of two teammates from a single championship team? That’s not just questionable-it’s hard to justify. Especially when even Cole Hamels, another key member of that Phillies core, didn’t make the cut.
A Light Class on the Horizon?
Right now, Beltrán and Jones are the only candidates tracking above the 75% threshold needed for induction, and even they are barely clearing that bar. If both somehow fall short, we could be looking at a one-man class headlined by Jeff Kent.
Kent was a great hitter at second base, an MVP winner, and a key contributor on multiple teams-but he never quite built the kind of fanbase that fills Cooperstown on induction weekend. If he goes in alone, it’ll be a quieter summer upstate.
Final Thoughts
Hall of Fame voting is subjective by nature. But when a ballot leans so heavily into regional loyalty while ignoring objectively stronger cases, it’s fair to ask: What are we doing here?
Rollins and Utley deserve their day in the debate. But so do Beltrán, Jones, Abreu, and others who left a massive imprint on the game. The Hall of Fame is meant to honor the best of the best-not just the guys who brought glory to your hometown team.