Even with Dave Parker and Scott Rolen recently entering the Hall of Fame, it’s been over 13 years since a player has donned the Cincinnati Reds’ iconic wishbone ‘C’ on their Cooperstown plaque. Barry Larkin was the last to represent the Reds in the Hall, but with Commissioner Rob Manfred’s surprising decision to reverse Pete Rose’s lifetime ban, Cincinnati might soon be celebrating twice before the decade concludes.
Manfred’s ruling opens the door for Rose to finally be enshrined, and it’s highly likely The Hit King will secure a spot in the Hall of Fame. The earliest possible induction would come in 2028, pending a vote by the Eras Committee in 2027. Still, it’s uncertain whether the committee will welcome Rose, considering his controversies stretch beyond just gambling. He could be made to wait, potentially even after his passing, much like Roger Clemens and Barry Bonds.
Should Rose be inducted, the late 2020s might become a banner period for Reds fans.
If Rose faces resistance from voters, another Reds legend could beat him to Cooperstown: Joey Votto. While critics point to Votto’s underwhelming traditional stats—he trails even non-Hall of Famer Edwin Encarnación in home runs—his value lies in his consistency, elite performance, and reputation as a good teammate.
The debate around Votto isn’t about if he’ll get in, but when. His induction in his first year of eligibility in 2029 appears unlikely. Only four first basemen have made it on their first try: Willie McCovey, Eddie Murray, Frank Thomas, and Jim Thome. Votto’s most comparable peer, Jeff Bagwell, needed seven tries, partly due to playing in the “Steroid Era,” which complicated his case.
Should Votto also wait several years to be elected, Rose may precede him in setting the stage. As long as Rose receives five votes from the Eras Committee, he’ll remain eligible every three years. No matter the exact timeline, Reds fans appear poised to celebrate long-awaited recognition after years of being overlooked.
