Adrian Beltre’s Hall of Fame credentials

SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 30: Adrian Beltre #29 of the Texas Rangers stands on the field during the singing of the "Star Spangled Banner" before a game against the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field on September 30, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. The Mariners won the game 3-1. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 30: Adrian Beltre #29 of the Texas Rangers stands on the field during the singing of the "Star Spangled Banner" before a game against the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field on September 30, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. The Mariners won the game 3-1. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images)
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Future hall of famer Adrian Beltre retires from baseball
ARLINGTON, TX – SEPTEMBER 23: Adrian Beltre #29 of the Texas Rangers tips his cap as he leaves the game before the start of the fifth inning against the Seattle Mariners in his last home game of the season at Globe Life Park in Arlington on September 23, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)

In the end…

We’ve measured Beltre against Hall of Famers (and some non Hall of Famers) in 11 categories that could influence the judgment of voters. Obviously, not all categories carry equal weight; nor for that matter can it be assumed that voters will consider only these 11 categories.

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Still, it’s worth noting that Beltre’s average placing among the 20 greats in these 11 categories was a fraction higher than eighth. He ranked among the top five in career WAR, career home runs, peak home runs, plate appearances and MVP votes.

He did have four placings among the lower half of our group, those being in peak WAR, career OPS+, career batting average, All Star appearances.

More significantly, Beltre’s numbers compare reasonably with those of Chipper Jones, who was only recently inducted at the same position. Jones did win seven of the 11 categories, Beltre just three with one tie… but the margins were rarely substantial.

It’s also worth keeping in mind that Jones got 97 percent of the vote. Given the 75 percent standard for election, Beltre doesn’t have to be Jones’ equal; he just has to be a reasonable facsimile of Chipper. He is that.

The conclusion: Adrian Beltre is likely to win election, and he has a good chance to do so on the first ballot.