Phillies: Examining the Case for Future Philadelphia Hall of Famers

Jul 26, 2015; Cooperstown, NY, USA; The 4 Hall of Fame plagues of Craig Biggio, Randy Johnson, Pedro Martinez and John Smoltz installed and available for viewing in the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Mandatory Credit: Gregory J. Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 26, 2015; Cooperstown, NY, USA; The 4 Hall of Fame plagues of Craig Biggio, Randy Johnson, Pedro Martinez and John Smoltz installed and available for viewing in the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Mandatory Credit: Gregory J. Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
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Jun 18, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies second baseman Chase Utley (26) plays defense against the Baltimore Orioles at Citizens Bank Park. The Phillies won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

2B Chase Utley

While Chase Utley is still playing, it is never too early to wonder if he will be a Hall of Famer. He is by no means a sure thing to make it, but he still very well could.

In terms of honors, Utley was an All-Star six times and earned the Silver Slugger award four straight years. He placed in MVP voting five times, reaching as high as seventh in 2006.

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Over his career, Utley has a .278/.361/.472 line along with 1777 hits, 381 doubles, 53 triples, and 250 home runs. His best season in terms of WAR came in 2008 when the Phillies won the World Series. He racked up nine wins above replacement that year after posting a .915 OPS, hitting 33 home runs, and driving in 104 runs.

Utley ranks below the average Hall of Famer in all of the Hall of Fame metrics.

However, his seven-year peak WAR of 49.1 is higher than the average Hall of Fame second baseman. However, Utley’s JAWS ranks higher than current players Robinson Cano, Ian Kinsler, and Dustin Pedroia, all of which are likely Hall of Fame candidates. In addition, his JAWS is higher than current Hall of Famers Roberto Alomar and Craig Biggio.

The last thing that may help Utley get into the Hall of Fame is his work ethic and character. Especially for older voters, this may help him get over the 75% threshold to Hall of Fame consideration, especially if he is on an overall weak ballot.

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