Best MLB players not in the Hall of Fame: Arizona Diamondbacks, Luis Gonzalez
WAR value: 30.0
The Arizona Diamondbacks only began play in 1998. That is why it was so shocking when the team won the World Series in 2001, with Luis Gonzalez leading the way. Having Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling on the mound helped as well.
Gonzalez only spent eight years in Arizona, but ranks second behind Paul Goldschmidt in WAR for batters. He also had one of the famous hits in MLB history that clinched the 2001 World Series. That alone cemented his legacy in team history. Don’t forget that he was the one who finally slayed the mighty beast that was Mariano Rivera.
In general, Gonzalez had an impressive MLB career. He retired with 2,591 hits and 354 home runs. 2,500 hits and 350 home runs is not exactly 3,000 and 500, but those marks warrant recognition. Just not in the Hall of Fame.
Gonzalez dropped off the ballot rather quickly, but makes our list for what he did with a young franchise upon arrival. He made his first All-Star team while in Arizona and added four more during his time there. He also took home a Silver Slugger.
The lefty was only slightly above-average before being sent to the desert. But once he arrived he stepped up his game and that is why the Diamondbacks, a team that began in 1998, retired his number.