MLB: Ten Current Players Who Could Make the Hall of Fame

Enshrinement into the MLB Hall of Fame is the ultimate honor that one can receive after a player’s career has come to an end. Which current players could be destined to be immortalized in  Cooperstown once their careers have come to an end?

Early in a player’s career, it becomes apparent if someone has the potential to be a truly special player. They may burst onto the scene, a true phenom who takes the league by storm off the bat, or they may take a couple of years to acclimate before their greatness shines through. Other players, perhaps due to where they play or from being overshadowed by others, toil away in obscurity, only to have their career numbers match up with the true greats of the game.

While some of these players may fade over time, there are a select few that could make the case to be eventually inducted into the MLB Hall of Fame. Even those who could, hypothetically, have a case do not always come close to immortalization within those hallowed halls. It takes a truly special player to end up in Cooperstown, forever remembered as being a member of the Hall of Fame.

We have even seen that with a few of the current players in baseball. There are those whose careers would strongly hint at induction in Cooperstown after they decide to hang up the cleats, while others appear to be on the right track for immortality. But which of these players could end up being fondly remembered for all time by fans of the game?

Let us take a look at a few current players with a chance to be enshrined in the MLB Hall of Fame.

*statistics current heading into 7-4-16*

Next: He may have a long wait

Alex Rodriguez .296/.380/.552, 3110 hits, 695 home runs, 2083 RBI, 329 stolen bases

On the surface, Alex Rodriguez would appear as though he would automatically be inducted into the Hall of Fame when he retires from the MLB. However, his PED usage and poor reputation throughout the game have caused a great deal of damage to his chances of being enshrined in Cooperstown.

That is truly unfortunate, because Rodriguez was one of the best hitters that had ever played the game. The leader among active players in runs, hits, homers, RBI, walks and total bases, Rodriguez is closing in on the 700 home run club, which would make him one of four players ever to reach that milestone. He is also one of four players with over 2000 RBI, putting him amongst the truly elite players in the history of the game.

Rodriguez also has quite the trophy case for his individual awards. A 14 time All Star, Rodriguez won three MVP awards, two Gold Glove awards, and ten Silver Sluggers. His career would be beyond even the wildest fantasy of the vast majority of people to ever play the game of baseball, as Rodriguez could claim to be among the top ten players ever under normal circumstances.

However, Rodriguez will also be remembered for his PED ties. He was originally linked to BALCO, and reportedly failed a PED test in 2003. Jose Canseco called Rodriguez out for his usage in his tell-all book ‘Juiced’ in 2007, and Rodriguez was later banned for the latter part of the 2013 season and all of 2014 due to his to BioGenesis, which supplied several players with PEDs before being shut down by the FBI.

Add in his noted narcissism, and it may be little wonder that Alex Rodriguez gets little support for the Hall of Fame when he eventually becomes eligible. It is unfortunate, because he truly has had one of the great careers in MLB history.

Next: The Machine

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?

Ichiro Suzuki .314/.357/.405, 2989 hits, 1373 runs, 505 stolen bases

Perhaps the best pure history in the history of the game, one has to wonder what Ichiro Suzuki’s career numbers would have looked like if he played his entire career stateside.

Even though he did not come to America until he was already 27 years old, Ichiro has certainly made a mark upon the MLB. He is rapidly approaching 3000 hits, and his immediate success opened up the world of Japanese hitters to the rest of baseball. Players like Hideki Matsui may well have received a higher paycheck, and a better chance, because of what Ichiro was able to do during his time in the Majors.

The international hit king, Ichiro’s career would be impressive even if he got his start six years earlier. He made ten consecutive All Star games to start his time in America, won an MVP award and a Rookie of the Year in 2001, won ten consecutive Gold Glove awards and won three Silver Sluggers.

Now, Ichiro is providing quality depth and production for the Marlins. Even though he may not hit the way he used to, Ichiro has become a dependable fourth outfielder, capable of plugging in anywhere in the outfield and able to still provide his impressive ability to put the bat on the ball. His veteran presence has helped the Marlins become a team around the periphery of a playoff spot in the first half of the season, despite Giancarlo Stanton, Dee Gordon and Jose Fernandez all having their struggles or missing time.

Ichiro Suzuki has already provided quite a few firsts for Japanese players. When his career ends, he will add to that legacy by being the first Japanese player inducted into the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown.

Next: A quietly stellar career

Adrian Beltre .285/.337/.477, 2849 hits, 425 home runs, 1519 RBI, 574 doubles

Somehow, the impressive totals that Adrian Beltre has put together in his career have flown under the radar. However, despite how quietly he has produced these numbers, Beltre certainly deserves a place in Cooperstown.

It is strange that Beltre is remembered first as the young phenom for the Los Angeles Dodgers, and then as one of the most disappointing free agent signings in MLB history when he signed with the Seattle Mariners. However, his career has been one of remarkable production and consistency once he left Safeco Field behind.

Rapidly closing in on 3000 hits, and with an outside chance to reach the 500 home run plateau, Beltre has blossomed into a star in his later years. He made his first All Star Game at age 31 while with the Red Sox, but has since become a four time All Star, a four time Silver Slugger and a four time Gold Glove winner. Despite not winning an MVP award, Beltre has finished in the top ten five times, including his runner up finish in 2004.

A player that was essentially written off following a disastrous 2009 campaign where he hit .265/.304/.379 with eight home runs at 30 years old, Beltre has instead become a lesson in not giving up. He took a one year deal to show that he was still a productive player, and parlayed that chance into becoming a star with the Texas Rangers. Now, with the way he has produced over his career, Beltre could well find himself heading to the Hall of Fame someday.

Adrian Beltre may not have as clear cut of a case as Albert Pujols or Ichiro Suzuki, but the overall statistics he has produced thus far in his career certainly warrant consideration. Given his overall body of work, and ability both offensively and defensively, Beltre may well find himself immortalized in the Hall of Fame.

Next: One of the better switch hitters in the game

Carlos Beltran .281/.354/.493, 2533 hits, 411 home runs, 1496 RBI, 311 stolen bases

Much like Adrian Beltre, Carlos Beltran has put together an impressive career very quietly. However, unlike Beltre, his impressive postseason performances may provide a boost to his chances of eventually being enshrined.

One of the many young players that left the Kansas City Royals as they attempted to cut costs down to the bare minimum in the latter part of the 1990’s through the mid 2000’s, Beltran exploded upon the scene when he was traded to the Astros. He had 23 home runs and was perfect in 28 stolen base attempts in his 90 games in Houston, before exploding during the postseason, hitting eight more homers and stealing six bases before the Astros fell to the Cardinals in seven games in the NLCS.

From that point, Beltran cemented his place as a star in the game. Even though he had been relatively overshadowed during his career, Beltran made ten All Star Games, won the Rookie of the Year in 1999, has three Gold Glove Awards and two Silver Sluggers. He is one of five switch hitters to hit 400 home runs, and even now, at age 39, is helping to carry the Yankees offense as far as he can.

Perhaps one of the most underrated parts of Beltran’s game was his ability on the basepaths. Even though he has not attempted a stolen base since 2014, Beltran has only been caught 49 times in 360 attempts, with his 86.39% success rate ranking third all time. He was truly a five tool player in his younger days, a player that could win a game in virtually any possible way on the field.

Carlos Beltran may have been overshadowed in his early days by PED fuelled sluggers, and in his later years by an exciting crop of young players, but he has put together a great career of his own. Perhaps in the future, that career will end up with his induction into the Hall of Fame.

Next: Getting Miggy with it

David Ortiz .286/.380/.551, 2394 hits, 522 home runs, 1706 RBI, 616 doubles

Perhaps the biggest mistake in Minnesota Twins history was to release David Ortiz. Since joining the Red Sox in 2003, he has become a true star and may be the first designated hitter in the Hall of Fame.

It is certainly a surprising turn of events, given that Ortiz was looked at as a part time player when he was signed by the Red Sox. In fact, Jeremy Giambi had won the starting first base job over Ortiz at the start of the 2003 season. However, Ortiz hit when he was given the chance, and has not relinquished his place in the lineup since.

Arguably one of the greatest figures in Boston sports history, Ortiz became beloved by the fanbase for his knack for getting the clutch hit during close and late situations. Likewise, his ability to produce during the postseason, where he has won the MVP awards for the 2004 ALCS and the 2013 World Series, has only furthered his legend.

A nine time All Star and six time Silver Slugger winner, Ortiz has also finished in the top five in the MVP vote five times, an impressive total for someone who has essentially been a designated hitter since coming into the major leagues. Every home run he hits pulls him further up the all time leaderboard, as he just passed three Hall of Famers with his 522nd career blast the other day.

In the midst of one of the greatest final seasons that has ever been seen in MLB history, David Ortiz could well join those players in the Hall of Fame once he is eligible for induction.

Next: A former ace reinvented

CC Sabathia 219-134, 3.68 ERA, 1.247 WHiP, 2635 strikeouts

A pitcher who looked to be on his way out of baseball last season, CC Sabathia has not only turned his life around, but resurrected his career, potentially giving him a chance to be considered for the Hall of Fame.

Sabathia had been a strikeout artist and quite the workhorse during his time with the Cleveland Indians, consistently ranking in the top ten in strikeouts and in the top five in innings. He almost singlehandedly pitched the Milwaukee Brewers into the postseason after his trade on July 7, 2008, going 11-2 with a 1.65 ERA and a 1.003 WHiP, striking out 128 batters in 130.2 innings. Despite pitching only 17 games, Sabathia led the National League with seven complete games and three shutouts in his half of a year in Milwaukee.

During his peak, Sabathia was one of the best pitchers in the American League. He made six All Star Games, won a Cy Young award and finished sixth in the National League MVP vote for his amazing performance down the stretch in 2008. He had proven to be a dominant arm, and someone with a chance for greatness.

Unfortunately, the past few years have not been kind to Sabathia. He has dealt with problems with alcohol and his conditioning, losing his effectiveness as he lost his fastball. This season, he has reinvented himself, pitching effectively and changing his speeds while posting his best season since 2012.

CC Sabathia may not be the same pitcher he was early in his career, and his case for the Hall of Fame may be borderline at this point, but if he can pitch a few more seasons and continue his reinvention, Sabathia may have enough of a late career resurgence to make it to Cooperstown.

Next: The Dodgers ace

Clayton Kershaw 125-58, 2.39 ERA, 1.012 WHiP, 1891 strikeouts

Unquestionably the best pitcher currently in baseball, it seems as though Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw has been around forever. Yet, he is only 28 years old, leaving us to only imagine what his career numbers could be.

The dominant lefty established himself as a true pillar of the Dodgers rotation at age 23, and since then, has continued to destroy the opposition. His run of success over the past five seasons has been reminscent of Greg Maddux during his peak with the Braves. Considering that Kershaw is just entering his prime now, it is frightening to imagine how good he could be if he remains healthy.

As it stands, Kershaw, in his nine years, has had a career that would be the envy of most major leaguers. He has already made five All Star Games, won three Cy Young awards and earned the 2014 MVP award. That year, he was 21-3 with a 1.77 ERA and a 0.857 WHiP, striking out 239 in 198.1 innings.

This year, Kershaw has been on another level. Before being sidelined with his back injury, he had posted an 11-2 record with a 1.79 ERA and a 0.727 WHiP, but those are not his most impressive numbers. His command has been otherworldly, walking only nine batters in 121 innings. His 16.11 K/BB rate, should it hold up for the year, would be the best in MLB history for a single season.

Clayton Kershaw is currently on a Hall of Fame pace. If he can keep this up, Kershaw may prove to not only be one of the best pitchers in baseball currently, but he could be almost the best of all time.

Next: Long live the King

Felix Hernandez 147-105, 3.11 ERA, 1.172 WHiP, 2195 strikeouts

Perhaps the shining example of how much wins do not matter when it comes to evaluating a pitcher, Felix Hernandez has been one of the best pitchers during his time, even if his record does not support that thought.

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A workhorse from the time that he reached the Majors as a 19 year old, Hernandez has been a mainstay in the Seattle Mariners rotation. Even during the team’s struggles, he was the one pitcher that the team had confidence in, a player capable of leading them to victory every time out. The Mariners may have struggled, but Hernandez was still an ace, capable of matching anyone in the league.

Even though he has yet to pitch for a team that made the postseason, Hernandez has received quite a bit of recognition. He has made six All Star Games and won a Cy Young award while finishing second twice. That Cy Young award was a sign of the changing times when it comes to how pitchers are evaluated, as Hernandez was only 13-12 that season, despite a league leading 2.27 ERA.

At this point, it may be fair to wonder if Hernandez’ workload is catching up. He has lost that blazing fastball, relying more on his changeup and ability to mix pitches to remain effective. While his walk rate had skyrocketed, Hernandez was still able to do just that before landing on the disabled list with strained calf.

Next: Ten best prospects that could be traded

Felix Hernandez has been a dominant starter in his career, even if his won-loss record does not agree. In fact, his Hall of Fame candidacy could come down to how the voters look at that record.