MLB Hall of Fame: Breaking down the 2020 ballot

Eric Chavez – first year on ballot

If Eric Chavez had been able to remain healthy, he could have ended up in Cooperstown.

At a time that the Oakland A’s were sending away most players making a considerable sum, Chavez was the one they kept. It was easy to see why – he was a power hitting third baseman who played incredible defense. Born in Los Angeles, he was a local kid who made good, the perfect player to be the face of the franchise.

Chavez certainly had a solid career. Although he was never an All Star, he still made his mark on the game. He was a six time Gold Glove winner, and won the Silver Slugger award in 2002. Chavez produced a lifetime .268/.342/.475 batting line, hitting 260 homers and 318 doubles. He hit over 25 homers in six consecutive seasons, establishing himself as one of the premier third baseman of the time.

The problem was that he was unable to stay healthy. Back issues ruined what should have been the prime of his career, as he played in a total of 154 games between the ages of 29 and 32. The first half of his career had him on a path to superstardom, but he was unable to reach those same heights.

Eric Chavez began his career as the type of player that could have ended up in the MLB Hall of Fame. Sadly, injuries ended his chance at immortality.