Scott Rolen Career Statistics Overview
Scott Rolen was a Major League Baseball third baseman whose career spanned from 1996 to 2012, primarily with the Philadelphia Phillies, St. Louis Cardinals, and Cincinnati Reds. His career stats include a .281 batting average, 316 home runs, and 1,311 RBIs across 2,310 games. Rolen was selected to eight All-Star teams and won three Gold Glove Awards for his defensive play at third base. He finished his career ranked among the top third basemen in MLB history by both defensive metrics and offensive production. Rolen was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2023, cementing his legacy based on these career statistics. For more details on his career timeline, see his Baseball Reference page.
Rolen's offensive production peaked during his time with the Cardinals, where he won a World Series ring in 2006 and posted consecutive seasons with over 30 home runs and 100 RBIs. His career on-base plus slugging (OPS) was .872, reflecting strong run production and plate discipline. Rolen's defensive metrics, including Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) and Ultimate Zone Rating (UZR), consistently ranked among the best in the league for third basemen. He led the National League in assists and double plays turned multiple times, showcasing his range and arm strength. Rolen's combination of power, average, and defense made him one of the most complete third basemen of his era. For more on advanced defensive metrics, see his FanGraphs profile.
Scott Rolen Awards and Accolades
Rolen's awards include three Gold Glove Awards (2004, 2005, 2006), seven Silver Slugger Awards, and the 2001 National League Rookie of the Year. He was a key contributor to the Cardinals' 2006 World Series championship and the Phillies' 2008 World Series title. Rolen's Silver Slugger wins highlight his elite bat-to-ball skills and run production at the plate. His Gold Gloves underscore his defensive excellence, particularly his ability to convert difficult plays at third base. Rolen's postseason stats include a .271 batting average and 12 home runs across four World Series appearances. For more on his postseason performance, see his postseason stats.
The Baseball Hall of Fame voting results placed Rolen above the 75% threshold in his first year of eligibility, reflecting the strength of his career statistics and awards. His induction speech highlighted his competitive drive and the support of teammates and coaches throughout his career. Rolen's legacy is often compared to other great third basemen like Mike Schmidt and Wade Boggs, with his blend of offense and defense earning him a top-tier ranking. His career WAR (Wins Above Replacement) of 70.1 places him among the most valuable players of his generation. For more on Hall of Fame voting trends, see the Hall of Fame official site.
Scott Rolen Career Statistics by Team
With the Philadelphia Phillies (1996–2002), Rolen compiled a .276 batting average, 178 home runs, and 634 RBIs. He won the Rookie of the Year award in 1997 and quickly established himself as a premier offensive talent. His time with the Phillies included two All-Star selections and his first Silver Slugger Award