Former Reds' star Brandon Phillips unlikely to survive beyond 1st Hall of Fame ballot

For a generation of Cincinnati Reds fans, former infielder Brandon Phillips was the most entertaining player on the field.

One of the best defensive second basemen in the history of the Reds franchise, Phillips was honored this past week by being among the newest crop of players added to the Baseball Hall of Fame ballot.

While is an accomplishment to just find one's name on the ballot, that's probably where it stops for Phillips. In fact, recent voting trends reveal that Phillips may not even receive a single vote.

Former Reds' star Brandon Phillips unlikely to survive beyond 1st Hall of Fame ballot

Looking at his resumé, Brandon Phillips certainly deserves to be among the group. Phillips has over 2,000 career hits, over 200 career home runs, nearly 1,000 RBI, over 200 stolen bases, three All-Star appearances, four Gold Glove Awards, and a Silver Slugger.

Those numbers are worthy of inclusion in the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame, and it's almost a slam dunk that once he's on that ballot, Phillips will be immortalized by the team that he played for from 2006-2016.

But being enshrined in Cooperstown is an entirely different animal. In fact, when you compare Phillips' stats to some recent players who've been on the Baseball Hall of Fame ballot, you'll see that the slick-fielding second baseman will be fortunate to have just one vote.

The most recent example would be J.J. Hardy. The shortstop appeared on the Hall of Fame ballot for the first time last year, and that'll be the only time it ever happens. Hardy, who has two All-Star appearances, three Gold Gloves, and a Silver Slugger, didn't receive a single vote last year.

In 2022, Justin Morneau, who has an AL MVP and four All-Star appearances, received just five votes and dropped off the ballot. In 2020, Alfonso Soriano, who made seven trips to the Midsummer Classic, has four Silver Sluggers, and over 400 homers in his career, was only able to muster six votes.

So while fans of the Cincinnati Reds have a high regard for Brandon Phillips career, the Baseball Writers' of America are unlikley to share that enthusiam. Look for Phillips to drop off the ballot following this year's Baseball Hall of Fame vote.