Houston Astros: Zack Greinke quietly building Hall of Fame resume

Houston Astros pitcher Zack Greinke has put together a Hall of Fame caliber resume without attracting much notice.

The evolution of Zack Greinke has been fun to watch. While the Houston Astros pitcher had always tinkered on the mound, especially with the velocity of his curveball, he has gone beyond what could have been imagined. He has begun calling his own pitches, speaking his mind, and showing confidence in himself and his stuff that could not have been imagined 15 years ago.

During his early days with the Royals, Greinke was prepared to not just walk away from pitching, but baseball entirely. His anxiety and depression had gotten the best of him, as he suffered a breakdown while throwing a bullpen session in 2006. He spent most of that year seeking help, eventually returning to the Royals that season.

Since that time, Greinke has established himself as one of the best pitchers in baseball. He has put together an impressive career to this point, posting a 208-123 record, along with a 3.35 ERA and a 1.156 WHiP. In his 2918.1 innings, he has struck out 2666 batters while issuing only 674 walks. Greinke has been a six time All Star, won the 2009 AL Cy Young award, and has taken home six Gold Glove awards.

That type of resume may well lead to Cooperstown. Greinke ranks 38th in MLB history amongst pitches in bWAR, ahead of the likes of Roy Halladay and Bob Feller. Based on Bill James’ Hall of Fame Monitor, Greinke is currently a borderline candidate, falling right at the average Hall of Fame caliber player.

Greinke, meanwhile, shows no signs of slowing down. Entering Sunday, he had produced a 2.91 ERA and a 0.971 WHiP, striking out 44 batters with seven walks in his 46.1 innings. At 36 years old, it is entirely possible that he has another four or five solid years ahead of him if he so desires.

In that time, Greinke will only pad his already impressive resume. He has plenty of time to get close to 250 wins which should cement his place in Cooperstown. And, if he can add a few more accolades in that time, it would not hurt.

Very quietly, Houston Astros pitcher Zack Greinke has put together a Hall of Fame caliber career. He has plenty of time to add to his resume and further cement his legacy.