Best MLB players not in the Hall of Fame: Washington Nationals, Ryan Zimmerman
WAR value: 40.0
The Washington Nationals also carry the history of the Montreal Expos before them. Even with that being the case, active player Ryan Zimmerman was the top choice for this list. He ranks fourth among batters in franchise history with his 40.0 WAR and holds a special place in the heart of Nationals fans.
Zimmerman was the team’s first draft pick after the move in 2005 and made his MLB debut that same year. He is another player on this list who is probably not Hall of Fame bound, but still fits the criteria of being a team’s best player not enshrined.
Once he is eligible, there is no way he makes it in. The resume is just not there. However, he will get a ton of honors from the Nationals, and rightfully so. Zimmerman is still a two-time All-Star who has played his entire career with the organization and who was on the 2019 championship team.
It is rare for any player to spend 16 seasons with one club. Add in the fact Zimmerman was the new team’s first draft pick and the fact he ranks so high in franchise history, it is easy to see why he will always be the first face of the franchise.
And for all the hype surrounding Bryce Harper’s career in Washington, Zimmerman is way ahead of him in WAR with the franchise.