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The 5 Active MLB Pitchers That Are Locks for Cooperstown

By Edward Lennon

WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 01: Washington Nationals starting pitcher Max Scherzer (31) pitches in an in camera multiple exposure in the second inning during the game between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Washington Nationals on May 1, 2019, at Nationals Park, in Washington D.C. (Photo by Mark Goldman/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 01: Washington Nationals starting pitcher Max Scherzer (31) pitches in an in camera multiple exposure in the second inning during the game between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Washington Nationals on May 1, 2019, at Nationals Park, in Washington D.C. (Photo by Mark Goldman/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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MLB Pitchers, CC Sabathia
(Photo by Sarah Sachs/Arizona Diamondbacks/Getty Images) /

C.C. Sabathia

After reaching the historic milestone of 3,000 strikeouts, C.C. Sabathia has guaranteed his place in the Hall of Fame. He has been one of the most durable MLB pitchers in the 21st century.

Sabathia has been a presiding force in this league since he made his debut in 2001. As a 20-year-old, he tossed 180.1 innings, won 17 games for the Cleveland Indians, and came in second place for the American League Rookie of the Year to future Hall of Fame outfielder Ichiro.

From 2001 to 2008, Sabathia was the ace for the Indians. He was a three-time All-Star in Cleveland and won the 2007 Cy Young award after going 19-7 with a 3.21 ERA over a league-leading 241 innings.

After being traded to the Milwaukee Brewers in 2008, Sabathia carried them to the playoffs and finished fifth on the National League Cy Young ballot and sixth on the NL Most Valuable Player ballot. He went 11-2 for Milwaukee with a 1.65 ERA over 130.2 innings. Seven of his 17 starts were complete games. He was the most dominant pitcher in the league that season. There was no stopping him.

He became a free agent that offseason and signed a seven-year, $161 million contract with the New York Yankees, which was the largest contract for a pitcher at the time. Obviously still with the Yankees, Sabathia has won 130 games since joining the Evil Empire in 2009 and has been named to three AL All-Star teams.

He will be known as one of the last truly durable MLB pitchers. He will surpass 3,500 innings and 250 wins this season and may look to continue his career in 2020. Whatever he decides to do, he is a lock for Cooperstown.

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