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MLB Hall of Fame: Breaking down the 2020 ballot

By David Hill

PHILADELPHIA - NOVEMBER 02: Derek Jeter #2 of the New York Yankees field a ball against the Philadelphia Phillies in Game Five of the 2009 MLB World Series at Citizens Bank Park on November 2, 2009 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA - NOVEMBER 02: Derek Jeter #2 of the New York Yankees field a ball against the Philadelphia Phillies in Game Five of the 2009 MLB World Series at Citizens Bank Park on November 2, 2009 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
(Photo by Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images) /

Chone Figgins – first year on ballot

Chone Figgins was a solid utility player during his time with the Angels. Once he headed to the Pacific Northwest, that came to an end.

One could hardly fault Figgins. The Mariners offered the speedy utility man a four year deal worth $35 million after the 2010 season, which was more than enough to entice him to change teams. Unfortunately, he never lived up to that contract, being released three years into the deal. After not appearing in the majors at all in 2013, he resurfaced briefly with the Dodgers, appearing in 38 games before his career was over.

Unfortunately, that stint in Seattle overshadows Figgins’ overall career. An All Star in 2009, he posted a lifetime .276/.349/.363 batting line, hitting 118 doubles and stealing 341 bases. He stole over 40 bases five times, leading the AL in 2004 with 62 steals. Figgins also led the league in walks in 2009, drawing 101 free passes as he finished tenth in the MVP vote.

Ultimately, Figgins was a valuable major league player during his heyday with the Angels. He had three different primary positions, performing decently with the glove. His speed and ability to get on base made him a dangerous leadoff hitter. And that is where it ends – Figgins was a solid player who filled a number of holes on the Angels.

That made Chone Figgins a very good major league asset. That does not mean that he will be enshrined in the MLB Hall of Fame.

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