Last Updated: June 17th, 2026 by Michael Griffin
This turned out to be a pretty interesting thought exercise for me. I decided to eliminate several players who are already shoo-ins once they retire, like Miggy Cabrera, Max Scherzer, Justin Verlander, and Clayton Kershaw. Instead, I’m focusing on players who, while they have put together a good resume, need things to go their way to solidify their chances. Then there are some younger ones, like Pete Alonso, Juan Soto, Ronald Acuña Jr., and Fernando Tatis Jr. A lot can happen in the next 10 years. Here are 16 that could get the call … or not.
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Trea Turner: Can He Speed Into Cooperstown?
Trea is 32, and if he keeps posting good stolen base totals, he could reach close to 600 for his career. If Cooperstown had a wing for the coolest-looking slides, he’d be a unanimous first-ballot entry.
Mike Trout: Ten-Time All-Star with an MVP Habit
With ten All-Star nods before turning 30, three MVPs, and a WAR that makes stat-heads swoon, Trout looked like a lock. Then came the injuries. Perhaps if he shifts to a full-time DH role to preserve his body, he can avoid being the biggest “What If” ever.
Mookie Betts: MVP, World Series Champ in Both Leagues, and a Defensive Wizard
Betts has an AL MVP, World Series rings in both leagues, a batting title, and enough Gold Gloves to fill a trophy case. If he keeps this up, he’s going to go to the Hall as a Dodger. Sorry, Boston fans.
Shohei Ohtani: MVP, Home Run King, and Strikeout Machine
Ohtani is rewriting baseball’s rulebook, posting MVP seasons at the plate and on the mound. A true two-way superstar, he’s the unicorn fans never thought they’d see outside of baseball cards and tall tales. Of course, he has to keep this pace for several more years at the very least.
Manny Machado
Now we’re getting into more interesting territory. Machado has eclipsed 2,000 hits and has 359 career homers as of this writing. He’s got a 60.7 WAR, and if he keeps producing at his level—he’s 32—he could be up there. His chances greatly improved with the induction of Scott Rolen.
Andrew McCutchen
There was a five-year period when “Cutch” was the most devastating force in the sport. He won the National League MVP in 2013, finished in the top 3 twice, and in the top 5 once. The question is, did he sustain it long enough? He’s got over 2,000 hits and 327 homers as of this writing. He played in a power position, so that could hurt him. Still, if being a good guy was enough, he’d be in.
Freddie Freeman: MVP, Gold Gloves, and the NL’s Ironman
Freeman is the model of consistency: MVP, Gold Gloves, a World Series ring, and a willingness to play hurt (witness his Kirk Gibson-like homer off Nestor Cortes). He’s currently the active leader in career hits, which could help his Hall of Fame case. Paul Goldschmidt could be in this category, too.
Giancarlo Stanton: 500 Homers?
Stanton’s limping toward 500 homers, which many view as being the cutoff point for Hall entry. It hasn’t helped that he’s been injury-prone and now runs as if he has a grand piano strapped to his back. Big G has been hot since returning from the disabled list, so he could keep bolstering his chances.
Jose Altuve: Batting Titles and Postseason Heroics
Altuve has stacked up batting titles and Silver Sluggers with the energy of a Little Leaguer (some might say the same size, too) and the clutch gene of a legend. Voters still need to weigh their feelings about his involvement with the Astros’ sign-stealing scandal, though.
Aaron Judge: MVP, Home Run Record, and Silver Sluggers
Judge broke the AL home run record and took home an MVP, with a cabinet full of Silver Sluggers to boot. When he’s healthy, he’s the Bronx’s biggest show since Reggie swung for the fences. He also became the fastest ever to reach 350 career homers this season (2025). He’d need a tremendous fall-off to keep him out, but stranger things have happened.
Bryce Harper: Two-Time MVP and October Legend
There was a time when questioning Harper’s credentials as a Hall of Famer would elicit a response of “That’s a clown question, bro.” He’s got two MVPs, Rookie of the Year honors, and postseason fireworks. The thing is, his career totals are almost there. His hit total is on the lower side, though he should reach around 1,800 or more by the end of 2025. He’s got 346 homers, and there are some concerns about whether an injury has robbed him of some power. Like several others on this list, he’s 32, so he’s got a few more years to bolster his chances.
Nolan Arenado: Ten Gold Gloves at Third
Arenado’s glove work at third base is the stuff of legend: ten Gold Gloves and enough web gems to fill a VHS highlight tape. He’s also shown power, with several 40-homer seasons. Even if he fell off precipitously, he has Rolen to point to as a case for his entry.
Jacob deGrom: Two Cy Youngs and a Historic ERA Stretch
OK, this one is really interesting. Yes, deGrom has been virtually untouchable at times, with two Cy Youngs and ERA stretches that rival the best ever. The thing is, he pitched fewer than 100 innings in five straight seasons. He hasn’t cracked 100 wins (though that’s becoming less important given how fickle wins can be—he had no run support for many years), and at 37, it’s not like he’s going to be a Jamie Moyer pitching another 10 years. Will voters measure what could have been, or will they see him as another Tim Lincecum—someone who was dominant, but not for enough years?
Zack Greinke: Cy Young, Six Gold Gloves, and 200+ Wins
Greinke’s resume sparkles with a Cy Young, six Gold Gloves, a Silver Slugger, and 200+ wins. He’s the pitcher who quietly built a Hall case with both brilliance and longevity. Will he be considered really good, like Tommy John, but not quite Hall-worthy?
Yadier Molina: Ten Gold Gloves and Postseason Legend
The backstop for a generation, Molina’s ten Gold Gloves, two rings, and postseason heroics have set the standard for modern catchers. His legacy is woven into October lore.
Francisco Lindor: Platinum Glove, Silver Sluggers, and All-Star Spark
Lindor brings Platinum Glove defense, Silver Slugger pop, and a perennial All-Star presence at shortstop. He’s currently the beating heart of the Mets. He’s got to keep it up for a few more years, though—otherwise, he could be another Keith Hernandez. What do you think? Did I get it right? Are there other candidates? Leave a comment!