Current MLB Players Hall of Fame Chances

If the MLB players career ended today, what are his chances of getting in the hall of fame?

MLB is a notoriously tough hall of fame to make as only 2-4 new members are inducted per year.

Next to each players name I will include which team's hat they would wear on their bust which is a tradition and controversial topic occasionally for players who have had success on multiple teams.

There will be 4 tiers: Locks, Most Likely, Young But on the Right Track, Probably Not

Stats and accolades are as of 8/23/2026

Locks:

Justin Verlander (Tigers):

266 wins, 3.33 career ERA, 3554 strikeouts. Any of these incredible stats would earn a modern era pitcher the nod. Verlander is an easy shoe in and should be a first ballot entry. The only remaining active pitcher to have won an MVP.

Max Scherzer (Nationals):

Scherzer will be the first player to be inducted as a Washington National. Peak Mad Max from 2014-2022 is one of the greatest decade stretches from a pitcher in the 21st century. He got his crowning achievement winning the World Series with the Nationals in 2019. 3.28 career ERA is undeniable

Zack Greinke (Royals):

Greinke's Cy Young in 2009 is one of the most underrated seasons as he finished with a 2.16 ERA for a terrible team. Greinke's 3 run with the Dodgers was ridiculous and he \was robbed of another Cy Young in 2015 when he finished with a 1.66 ERA, 0.84 WHIP while throwing 222 innings. It may take a few years for Greinke to get in due to him being an odd guy and not a media darling, but he is a lock.

Kenley Jansen (Dodgers):

As rock solid closer as you can get, Jansen is sneakily third all-time in saves. Never superstar but always does the job is the best way to describe Jansen. He has 8 seasons of over 30 saves and is still closing in year 17 of his career. One of the most underrated relievers of all time will get in during his second or third ballot.

Craig Kimbrel (Braves):

Kimbrel is sort of the opposite of Jansen, truly dominant for 8 years and then a sharp fall off followed. During those 8 years, mostly spent in Atlanta, Kimbrel made 7 all star teams and won a rookie of the year, as a closer, which is very rare. Kimbrel's sharp falloff and struggles with the Orioles has left a sour taste in many fans mouth, but Kimbrel is for sure a hall of famer.

Freddie Freeman (Braves):

Freddie Freeman is a hall of famer for two reasons, the way that he plays on the field, and the way that he is respected off the field. The off the field stuff is valued much more than it should to hall of fame voters, so Freeman is a lock. On top of that, he has also won 3 World Series, 1x MVP, 10x all star, and is a career .300 hitter.

Mike Trout (Angels):

The greatest what if of my lifetime and yet he's still a lock. If he was on a winning team and was not so injury prone would Mike Trout finish his career as the greatest player of all-time? 4 seasons of 9 WAR or better is ridiculous and 7 seasons of 1st or 2nd place in MVP voting goes to show how powerful his peak was. If he is not first ballot there is a problem.

Aaron Judge (Yankees):

Despite only playing 6 healthy years, Judge is a lock in my opinion. A career OPS over 1.000 is other worldly and 4 seasons over 50 homeruns is something that may not be done again by a right handed hitter. 3, (should have been 4) MVP's in essentially 6 playing years is enough for me to put him in.

Mookie Betts (Red Sox):

The toughest decision for Mookie is what team he goes in with. I feel it would be the Red Sox because it felt that like that 2018 champion team was his team that he led. Mookie has never been the best outfielder in the league for more than a year through not fault of his own. His is a versatile defender with sneaky pop and an always solid on base percentage. You don't win 3 world series titles on 2 different teams by luck.

Shohei Ohtani (Dodgers):

Ohtani is one of one and after only 9 years he would 100% be a hall of famer today. 4 MVPs with a 5th possibly on the way this year. A postseason game with 3 HR's and 10 strikeouts is the greatest game ever by a single player. He should not be taken for granted and is the most talented player of all time. No question.

Most Likely:

Chris Sale (White Sox):

I would be not surprised to see Sale go in as a Brave if he wins another Cy Young with them. Sale's career revival in Atlanta has been shocking and almost fully cemented his hall of fame case. After nearly winning a Cy Young earlier in his career finishing 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 4th, 5th, 5th, Sale has finally broken through. A dominant 2018 postseason that was finished off with a ring is another large factor as well.

Aroldis Chapman (Reds):

Chapman is another pitcher who has a late career resurgence seemingly out of nowhere. Posting a 1.17 ERA last year and receiving Cy Young Votes was shocking. Chapman was a highlight every time he took the mound for the Reds in his early days and still has the MLB's all-time fastest pitch. The 9x all-star and 2x World Series champion has a good case for me due to his impact on the game and velocity.

Paul Goldschmidt (Diamondbacks):

Goldschmidt has somewhat had a career of 2 tales. His early career days in Arizona were spectacular that included him making 6 straight all star games. Then injuries and a move to St. Louis. Goldschmidt won the 2022 NL MVP with the Cardinals and racked up 153 homeruns with the Cardinals. Now a platoon bat, Goldschmidt's consistency, turned into MVP form, most likely gets him in.

Jose Altuve (Astros):

There is one glaring reason that Altuve is not a lock...the sign stealing scandal. Altuve was the face of the operation that resulted in severe backlash from the league and it's media. On the bright side, Altuve led the league in hits 4 year in a row and was considered the best contact hitter of the 2010's. A fraudulent 2017 MVP is on his record, as well as 2 World Series, and 7 all star appearances.

Manny Machado (Orioles):

There is a group of three third baseman next on the list that I believe if one gets in, all have to get in. Machado was the face of the Orioles early in his career and posted solid offensive numbers while being a wizard at third base. Once Machado got to the Padres his career arc flipped, less defense, more offense. Machado has been a 25 homerun 90 RBI machine in San Diego.

Jose Ramirez (Guardians):

The most underrated infielder of the 2010s-2020s, Ramirez is nearly a 5 tool third baseman. 4 top 3 MVP finishes and 7 all stars still seems like not enough for Ramirez a power bat that can steal bases and hit for average. Ramirez is an ideal middle of the lineup bat and is a WAR machine.

Nolan Arenado (Rockies):

Another one of the most underrated infielder of the past decade, Arenado in Colorado was the definition of consistency. Over a 14 year career, Arenado averages 32 homeruns 106 RBI. This is not including his insane 10 gold gloves. Arenado may be the best out of these three incredible third baseman.

Francisco Lindor (Guardians):

Lindor is a rock solid shortstop and someone you can put in the top 2 of your lineup everyday and get high .800 OPS numbers along with plus defense. Lindor got paid big time halfway through his career by the Mets and has not missed a beat. His 2018 and 2024 seasons are two of the most under appreciated of the last decade.

Bryce Harper (Phillies):

A Rookie of the Year and 2x MVP was the most hyped prospect of the 21st century and has somehow lived up to the hype. Harper has been the face of two franchises and turned both into postseason contenders. Three seasons over 1.000 OPS with positional versatility and a knack for the big moment is the resume of a great career.

On the Right Track:

Tarik Skubal (Tigers):

Skubal is already 29 years old and lacks the career-long stats that are usually required for pitchers to get in. However back to back Cy Young's with dominant strikeout number say that if he can continue this pace he will have a good chance at getting in.

Paul Skenes (Pirates):

Skenes struggles this year have been well documented and he will need a bounce back 2027 to secure a large free agency contract. However, posting a 1.96 ERA in 2024 and 1.97 in 2025 was enough for a rookie of the year and cy young. If Skenes can just find 80% of his production in those two years and stretch that out over a 10-12 year career, he will have a good shot.

Matt Olson (Braves):

Mr. Consistent, Matt Olson has not missed a game in 5 years. He posts good to great hitting stats every year backed by elite defense at first base. If Olson can post 3-4 more years on this pace he will be a late eligibility selection, much like Andruw Jones, another fellow Brave.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (Blue Jays):

It feels like Vlad has been playing baseball forever and yet he is only 27 years old. After a horrible down year this year, Vlad will need to bounce back. He posts .800 OPS consistently as well as solid defense. If he can break through with Toronto and grab a ring he will be a fun case.

Junior Caminero (Rays):

Caminero is only 23 years old and is averaging 42 homeruns and 106 RBI a year. His talent is absurd and if he can continue his pace over his career, his case is a strong one. He must improve his defense to avoid a move to first base.

Corey Seager (Rangers):

If Seager played 162 games every year he would be a top 10 shortstop of all time. With 2 world series rings and a rookie of the year, if Seager can put together 4-5 more semi-healthy years he should have a good case.

Bobby Witt Jr. (Royals):

The best hitter in the league not named Judge or Ohtani, Witt is a stud. He is a true 5 tool player who can affect the game on all levels. He is a WAR machine and has 28.1 over 5 season which is ridiculous.

Yordan Alvarez (Astros):

If Alvarez wins the triple crown this year his case will be elevated even more. If Alvarez played the outfield consistently as opposed to DH he would look better on WAR. One of the most productive hitters this decade with some memorable postseason moments as well.

Juan Soto (Nationals):

One of the most reliable hitters in the sport, Soto's ability to get on base as well as hit for power to all field is special. A lack of true fielding ability leaves him off the lock list for right now, but a few more elite years at the plate and Soto is no doubt in.

Fernando Tatis Jr. (Padres):

It seems as though Tatis taking steroids was a huge buff to his numbers as he dropped about .150 points in his OPS since being popped. Elite defense, however, is Tatis' ability to keep in elite player conversation. One of the best right fielder's this decade, Tatis is an x-factor on defense.

Gerrit Cole (Yankees):

Cole is probably the oldest player in this category, and for good reason. When healthy, he continues to put up elite strikeout rates while being able to eat innings at a solid rate. His peak with the Astros at the turn of the decade will be his strong resume bullet and may be enough if he can put together a few more strong years to finish out his contract with the Yankees.

Probably Not:

Jacob DeGrom (Mets):

DeGrom is one of the most talented pitchers that we have ever seen, however I don't believe he has had enough healthy seasons to get in. People will argue that he is the new standard of a hall of famer with more of a peak dominance than longevity. However, I do not see it that way yet. In a few years his career may look better if injury rate continues to rise league-wide.

Zack Wheeler (Phillies):

I believe that Wheeler is a very similar case to DeGrom. Wheeler got off to a bit of a slower start is New York, seemingly always battling injuries. However, once he arrived in Philly he has become a locked in top 5 pitcher most years. His durability will be his main reason for either getting in or being just short. I'm betting he only has 1 or 2 more healthy years in his arm.

Josh Hader (Brewers):

Hader has had one of the better left handed closer career's in the league's history. Save total is a big factor for getting into the Hall. Currently Hader is at 245 which is not enough. If he is able to get up into the 400's he will have a much better chance. If he does not, I don't see it happening. I see his case being similar to Jonathan Papelbon.

Salvador Perez (Royals):

Perez's case has been built significantly in the last 2-3 years by his everyday longevity. His homerun total is one of the highest of all time among catchers and his 9 all star appearances is eye popping. Looking into deeper into Salvy's career his case falls apart. By OPS he is a career slightly above average hitter with gold glove defense in the first half of his career, followed by poor defense on the second half.

Pete Alonso (Mets):

This one may be a bit of a shocker but it is not a crazy case. If Alonso can finish with somewhere between 450-500 homeruns (currently at 294), and an OPS of .850, that puts him in company with Fred McGriff who got in a few years ago. Alonso cant afford any slipups though and needs to continue to stay healthy.

Marcus Semien (Athletics): The only reason that this is a discussion is that Semien is a WAR machine, up to 49 for his career. That total rivals players like Dustin Pedroia and Ian Kinsler. These players are not hall of famers, but are fun cases to make and Semien will fall right in line with them in due time.

Alex Bregman (Astros):

Bregman is the king of "pretty good" years. He posts a 4 WAR religiously, but that is not enough to get into the Hall. Aside from his stellar 2019 seasons he has never posted elite numbers. That along with his lack of a true elite glove make him a non-factor.

Matt Chapman (Athletics):

Chapman is a guy that people will make the case for just for the sake of it. He has never been the best third baseman in baseball and does not have the type of offensive output needed for qualification.

Carlos Correa (Astros):

If the dude could stay healthy he would have as good a chance of any active shortstop. Correa's inability to play deep into seasons as well as his offensive decline keep him out despite his numerous big time playoff moments.

Christian Yelich (Brewers):

Outside of back to back elite seasons, Yelich has not put up the numbers he needs. He has struggles staying on the field as of late and he has lost a serious amount of power output due to his nagging ailments. 2018-19 Yelich remains elite and to be remembered.

Andrew McCutchen (Pirates):

Cutch peaked and peaked hard, his 2011-2015 was only rivaled by Mike Trout. After those years however McCutchen struggled to keep up his productivity. On top of that, several meaningless statistical years towards the end of his career hurt his beginning of career outburst.

Giancarlo Stanton (Marlins):

Stanton is similar to McCutchen in some ways. He had an MVP season during his prime (2017). He surrounded that season with impressive stats. He has had his second half of his career completely derailed by injuries. If Stanton can reach 500 homers (44 away), his case would become really fun.