Outfielder/DH Giancarlo Stanton hit 35 home runs in 139 games for the Yankees this year, bringing his career total to 347. 2021 was his age 31 season, so if he can average 25 homers a year through his age 40 season, then he'd have 522, which would be good enough to get him over the top. We'll see what happens, because if he doesn't get to 500, then he probably won't get in.
Third baseman Josh Donaldson batted .247 with 26 homers this season, making it .269 and 251 homers through his age 35 season. It looks like he's going into his declining stage, and if he's already had his prime, then he's not getting in.
Catcher Salvador Perez just led the MLB in home runs (48) and RBI's (121). That, and his 1,000th career hit, actually make him a potential candidate in the future.
Outfielder Bryce Harper jut had a fantastic season for the Phillies (.309/.429/.615, 35 homers). He'll probably make it.
Outfielder Andrew McCutchen soldiered through 2021 (.222 average but 27 homers and 81 walks), playing in 144 games and generally batting 4-5-6 in the Phillies' lineup and providing above average value. Seeing as how this is his age 34 season, and that his career is a little short of the Hall of Fame (1,761 games, .280/.373/.476, 270 homers, 197 stolen bases), he probably won't end up in Cooperstown.
Shortstop Andrelton Simmons has just batted .223/.283/.274 for the Twins in 131 games. His primary value lies in fielding skills and contact hitting, and he still excels at both, but this season's hitting was just disappointing. Unless he can rack up a few more Gold Gloves and get his average back in the .280 range to stay, Simmons just won't make it.
Despite injuries and complications due to the COVID-19 vaccine, third baseman Evan Longoria still put together a pretty good season (13 homers and 46 RBI's in 81 games). Considering what kind of defensive marvel he has been for his entire career and just how good an RBI man he is, I feel confident that he will probably find himself in the Hall of Fame one day.
At this time in 2019, most people would probably think that outfielder Christian Yelich was going to put up a Hall of Fame career. He had previously won two straight Batting Titles, finished first and second in the NL MVP Award voting, had a career batting average of .301, and was only 27 years old. Since then, however, he's batted .234 in 175 games, lowering his average to .292 and wasting away two precious peak years. Now, he's about to turn 30, and has yet to collect his 600th career RBI. He's in deep trouble.
First baseman Paul Goldschmidt is just a machine. He is a vacuum cleaner at first base and has just hit 30 home runs in a season for sixth time. At 33, he's still one of the top offensive producers in baseball. He'll get the counting statistics. He'll get a plaque.
Former outfielder Nick Markakis is not active anymore. His only shot at Cooperstown was getting his 3,000th hit, and seeing as how he doesn't have it, his case just falls apart. He won't make it, or get very much consideration, either.
Welcome to your new home away from home, Francisco Lindor! After six brilliant seasons with the Cleveland Indians, the 27 year old shortstop (he turns 28 on November 14) has just suffered through a tough season (.230 average) with the Mets. He's still got a fine career and he is still one of the better shortstops in the game, so if he can get used to his new surroundings, he very well may get to the Hall of Fame someday.
Shortstop Elvis Andrus had another bad looking season, but like Lindor's, it was actually a decent year (although way off from his previous production). It's too bad seeing the Rangers dump him, and he looks to be declining, but nevertheless he still has a chance to make it.
First baseman Anthony Rizzo has also had an off year, and his career before 2021 wasn't that convincing in itself, but Rizzo did add another 22 homers to his lifetime total and was a big part in the Yankees' wild card berth. It all depends on what he can do in the Bronx for the next few years. Striking out Freddie Freeman is also something that gives him a bit of notoriety.
Speaking of Freeman, the Atlanta (as of now) first baseman has just had another fine season (.300 average, 31 homers). A contract dispute might hurt him a little bit, but a World Series ring is a nice addition to his trophy room. He'll probably make it.
Outfielder Mookie Betts won't make it. Between the cheating scandal and how he's hit for the Dodgers, I wouldn't vote for him in a hundred years (that is, if he was still on the ballot).
If the Angels had Mike Trout, Albert Pujols, and third baseman Anthony Rendon all playing full time this season, they probably would've made the playoffs. Unfortunately, Rendon played in only 58 games this year, and didn't produce much when he was in the lineup (.240/.329/.382). He has a while to get back and track, and I think that he will. It will be interesting to follow his career from now on and see if he puts up a Hall of Fame resume.
DJ LeMahieu had also had an off year, but it was nevertheless a good season for a second baseman. If he doesn't start to hit like he did in 2019-2020 for the Yankees, his name will be written off as one who was aided by the Coors Field boost and he won't make it. However, I am confident that he will return to form and if he can keep it up for a while, then he'll get a plaque.
Second baseman Dustin Pedroia is now retired. He may or may not have been a part of the Red Sox's cheating scandal, but if he was, then he'll be severely chastised by the voters, including myself if I ever get the opportunity. Considering the fact that we probably won't ever be able to prove that he wasn't in on it, and that Fenway Park does still provide a good hitting environment, I predict that he probably won't make it to Cooperstown.
Third baseman Nolan Arenado will probably make it for the sake of his defense (eight career Gold Gloves). He hit 34 home runs and drove in 105 for the Cardinals this season, who do not play in Coors field, so on the surface it looks like he's had a tough year, but in reality he's probably improved. I think he should make it.
Another all-star season for 39 year old catcher Yadier Molina really wasn't even necessary, as he was already a lock. He could reasonably be put in a list of the top ten catchers of all time.
Catcher Buster Posey is another obvious Hall of Famer. With another fantastic season (he was by far the best catcher in the NL this season), Posey is going out in style. I am looking forward to his induction in 2027.
First baseman Joey Votto hit 36 home runs with 99 RBI's this season, reaching three important milestones - 2,000 career hits, 300 home runs, and 1,000 RBI's. The 38 year old slugger sports a career slash line of .302/.416/.520, and is another lock for the Hall.
Outfielder Mike Trout missed 126 games this season with injuries, but still batted .333 with a .466 OBP. It's a shame that his best season was so short. At any rate, he'll make it.
First baseman Miguel Cabrera is still going strong, still batting cleanup for the Tigers at the age of 38. The four time AL Batting champ and 2012 Triple Crown winner hit his 500th home run this year, and is an easy pick for the Hall of Fame.
First baseman Albert Pujols may or may not come back in 2022, but he has nothing left to prove. The three time NL MVP has 3,301 career hits and 679 home runs. He would have been a Hall of Famer if he'd retired eleven years ago.
NOTE: I will make another such post about the active starting pitchers who I wrote about. That's coming soon.
I'm agreeing mostly, but I disagree strongly about Mookie Betts. 2021 was an off season, but he was still good, and he's been great for most of his career.
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