Brandon Phillips election sparks new Reds Hall of Fame favorite

The Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame Class of 2026 was announced on Tuesday. Brandon Phillips was the most prominent name among the inductees, and will be joined by Aaron Harang, Reggie Sanders, and Lou Piniella.

Phillips was a slam dunk for the honor. A fan-favorite throughout his time in Queen City, Phillips was well known for his flashy defensive plays, fan interaction, and a classic smile. Phillips became a Red back in 2006 — in one of the most lopsided trades you'll ever see — and went on to win four Gold Glove Awards and a Silver Slugger while also attending three All-Star Games.

But with Phillips now in the Reds Hall of Fame, the question must be asked — who'll be the next former player to enter? While a few names from the 2025 ballot will probably linger in 2027, another former fan-favorite could get his chance in the near future.

Brandon Phillips election sparks new Reds Hall of Fame favorite

Look for Scooter Gennett be named to the Reds Hall of Fame ballot in 2027, and don't be shocked if the hometown hero gets a fair amount of recognition from the fans in Cincinnati. After all, the honor is bestowed upon these players, in part, by the fanbase. A compilation of votes from the fans, media, and Reds alumni help decide who gets elected into the Reds Hall of Fame.

Gennett's Reds' career, much like Scott Rolen's, was an abbreviated one. But during Gennett's three seasons playing for his hometown team, he made quite the impact. Gennett's four-homer game — a franchise first — in 2017 was one of the feel good stories that season, and he earned an All-Star nod in 2018. Gennett's 2019 campaign was cut short due to injury, and he was traded later that summer.

Gennett's two-run homer during the bottom of the ninth of the 2018 All-Star Game helped take the game to extra innings, though the NL still lost by the final score of 8-6. Gennett's teammate Joey Votto — who isn't eligible for the Reds Hall of Fame just yet — homered in the 10th inning of that game.

Look for Rolen, Homer Bailey, Zack Cozart, and maybe even Francisco Cordero to be on the ballot next time too. And while those four, and so many others, might be deserving of a spot in the Reds Hall of Fame, Gennett might have a leg up on the competition.