MLB: Ten Current Players Who Could Make the Hall of Fame
By David Hill
Albert Pujols .310/.395/.576, 2743 hits, 575 home runs, 1754 RBI, 594 doubles
One of the more beloved players in St. Louis during his time with the Cardinals, Albert Pujols cemented his legacy as one of the greatest players not only in Redbirds history, but in all of baseball.
During his time with the Cardinals, Pujols was not just a perennial All Star, but a constant threat for the MVP award. He made nine All Star Games in his eleven years in St. Louis, winning three MVP awards and finishing in the top three five other times. Pujols also won a Rookie of the Year award, two Gold Glove awards and six Silver Sluggers. A true power hitter, he even stole double digit bases three times, a rarity for a first baseman.
After signing a ten year, $240 Million contract with the Angels, Pujols has not been the same player. Age and his foot issues have slowed him down, as The Machine has begun to break down over time. Yet, he is still a fearsome slugger, hitting 40 home runs last season and providing the Angels another power bat in the lineup.
Should Pujols be able to fend off those injuries for a few more years, he should end up with over 600 home runs, 3000 hits and could approach 2000 RBI. Those totals, along with how Pujols has a reputation for playing the game the right way, make him a given to be inducted into the Hall of Fame once he become eligible.
Even though injuries have taken their toll on Albert Pujols, the former St. Louis Cardinals star is still providing plenty of power in Anaheim. Hopefully, he can fend off those injuries for a few more seasons and reach those impressive milestones.
Next: The first Japanese player in the Hall of Fame?