We live in an era of dominant, well-paid MLB pitchers. Here are 5 active starters that have a strong chance to make it to Cooperstown when the time comes.
When evaluating MLB pitchers for the Hall of Fame, wins, innings pitched and placements on Cy Young ballots are often used as marks for success in their career. 300 wins has always been a milestone that makes a pitcher a legend.
However, that milestone is becoming a rarity, becoming increasingly more difficult to achieve. 200 is now viewed as more of a guideline when speculating a pitcher’s career because MLB pitchers do not start as many games in a season as they used to. A starter used to pitch 35 games a season, but only one starter, Jhoulys Chacin, started 35 games last season.
There are certain starting pitchers that have surpassed the ten-season mark in their career and have made their case for the Hall of Fame already. Before we take a look at the five active starting MLB pitchers who are destined for the Hall of Fame, here are the honorable mentions worth a debate:
Jon Lester
Felix Hernandez
Cole Hamels
David Price
These players all have had impressive careers but are not quite there yet. The back half of their careers will determine their fate in Cooperstown.
Here are the guys who are building a case through 10 years but need more time.
Madison Bumgarner
Corey Kluber
Chris Sale
All of these aces are still young, and are on-track for Cooperstown, but need to cement a few more All-Star caliber seasons under their belt.
And now, without further adieu, the Locks.