MLB Hall of Fame: Breaking down the 2020 ballot

Bobby Abreu – first year on ballot

Bobby Abreu has a better case for the MLB Hall of Fame than one may have thought.

A true five tool player in his prime, Abreu was a star with the Phillies. However, he was with the franchise prior to their run of postseason success, a great player on teams that just were not good enough to play in October. While he was a part of three postseasons, he seemingly just missed those runs of sustained success.

Perhaps that is why Abreu never had the accolades his career deserved. He was a part of just two All Star Games, and won a Gold Glove in 2005. Overall in his career, he posted a .291/.392/.475 batting line, hitting 288 homers and stealing exactly 400 bases. Abreu ranks in the top 25 all time in doubles, walks, and putouts and assists in right.

Yet, his career was generally overlooked during his career. He was a solid overall player, but that may not matter when it comes to the voters. That lack of recognition, as he was overshadowed throughout his career, may cause issues as he looks to remain on the ballot. As good as his overall numbers may be, Abreu is not a lock to reach the 5% threshold to remain on the ballot.

Bobby Abreu was the type of player any team would have wanted. But that does not mean that he has a realistic chance at the MLB Hall of Fame.