Potential Baseball Hall of Famers (Part 2 of 3)

With Spring Training in session, I thought it would be fun to think about the Baseball Hall of Fame.   The Hall of Fame is one of my foremost hobby interests, and it has been a few years since I have addressed the topic in a blog post.

The last time I authored an article about Baseball Hall of Famers was the summer of 2020.  Included on that list were Albert Pujols, Yadier Molina and Buster Posey, who have since retired.  These three individuals are not eligible for election but are likely to be enshrined someday.  

More importantly, the list from 2020 mentioned Cody Bellinger, Matt Chapman, Kris Bryant, Javier Baez, Christian Yelich, Jose Altuve, Corey Seager and Giancarlo Stanton as having decent shots to make it to Cooperstown.  In the past three years, these players have not helped, and in most cases hurt, their chances.  It is doubtful that these eight players will make it to the Hall of Fame when their careers conclude.  With this in mind, take what you read below with a grain (or perhaps a pound) of salt.

I divided my list of eighteen players into three parts.  A few weeks ago, I started part 1 with those who I believe have the most work to do to get voted in, and I will end part 3 in March with a couple of obvious first-ballot selections.  Below is part 2 which contains six players who are likely, but not guaranteed to be in Cooperstown someday.

Jose Ramirez

One of the most overlooked players in baseball, Ramirez continues to be consistently productive.  Over the last three seasons, he has finished sixth or higher in the American League MVP voting, and 2022 marked his fourth selection as an All-Star.  While he still needs to produce three to five more All-Star level seasons to garner Hall of Fame consideration, Ramirez has a good chance to make it.  

Last Spring, Ramirez signed a contract extension with the Guardians that will keep him with the club through the 2028 season.  Cleveland has a bunch of young, talented pitching which will keep the team at the top of the AL Central standings for the near future.  This will make playoff appearances for Ramirez more likely.  In addition, Hall of Fame voters tend to favor players who spend most of their career with one team.  Ramirez’s tenure with the Guardians will help him if his career statistics are boarder line for selection.  Ramirez has a prospect card in 2012 Topps Pro Debut, and his Topps Chrome rookie is from the 2014 set.  The 2014 Topps Chrome costs $95 in PSA 9 and $155 in PSA 10.