MLB is slated to announce the Hall of Fame class of 2016 on January 6th, this Wednesday at 6 p.m. EST airing live on MLB Network as well as MLB.com with coverage beginning at 3 p.m. For a player to be elected, he must receive votes from at least 75% from the BBWAA, who last year had 549 members cast votes.
So as a fun exercise, we're taking a poll of who our readership thinks needs to be enshrined in the Hall.
Below, you'll find short blurbs about each candidate a well as their career stats.
If you feel certain players should or should not be voted in this year, be sure to explain your reasoning. You may change a few minds, this is the internet after al.
Garrett Anderson
The longtime Angels outfielder of 15 years, Anderson had a long fruitful career in which he won three Silver Slugger awards, as well as a world series ring in 2002. In 2003, he had a memorable all-star week as he won the homerun derby and then won the all-star game MVP award.
Career Span | AVG | OBP | SLG | HR | Hits | SB | WAR | WAR per Season |
1994-2010, 17 years | .293 | .324 | .461 | 287 | 2,529 | 80 | 24.0 | 1.4 per season |
Brad Ausmus
The current manager of the Tigers' candidacy is pretty much a lifetime achievement award as Ausmus doesn't really have that strong of credentials to his name. He was an all-star in 1999 and a three time Gold Glove winner.
Career Span | AVG | OBP | SLG | HR | Hits | SB | WAR | WAR per Season |
1993-2010, 18 years | .251 | .325 | ,344 | 80 | 1,579 | 102 | 17.2 | 1.0 per seasin |
Jeff Bagwell
Definittley a trade the Red Sox would like to unmake as Bagwell was one of the best players in baseball during the 1990's as ranked up numerous accolades. He was a career Astro and has had his number retired by the organization, after all he did win the 1991 Rookie of the year, the 1994 NL MVP, three Silver Sluggers, a four-time all-star, and also a Gold Glove.
Career Span | AVG | OBP | SLG | HR | Hits | SB | WAR | WAR per Season |
1991-2005, 15 years | .297 | .408 | .540 | 449 | 2,314 | 202 | 80.2 | 5.3 per season |
Barry Bonds
He was possibly the greatest player of all-time and put together some tremendous seasons for the Pirates and Giants as he combined great speed and power. He was a seven time MVP, 14-time all-star, won 12 Silver Sluggers, as well as eight Gold Gloves to go along with the numerous records he shattered along the way.
Career Span | AVG | OBP | SLG | HR | Hits | SB | WAR | WAR per Season |
1986-2007, 21 years. | .298 | .444 | .607 | 762 | 2,935 | 514 | 164.4 | 7.8 per season |
Luis Castillo
The longtime Marlins second baseman was a decent player, but never really a star. He was a member of two world series winning teams and was also a three time all-star and Gold Glove winner.
Career Span | AVG | OBP | SLG | HR | Hits | SB | WAR | WAR per Season |
1996-2010, 14 years | .290 | .368 | .351 | 28 | 1,889 | 370 | 28.4 | 2.0 per season |
Roger Clemens
Always a force to be reckoned with on the mound, Clemens spent most of his career dominating the AL and received numerous awards and honors throughout his career such as a MVP award in 1986, seven Cy Young awards, an 11 time all-star, and he also has two world series rings to his name.
Career Span | G/IP | W | ERA | FIP | K% | BB% | WAR | WAR per season |
1984-2007, 23 years | 709/4,916.2 | 354 | 3.12 | 3.09 | 23.1% | 7.8% | 133.7 | 5.8 per season |
David Eckstein
Eckstein was a decent player, never great. He received little honors, but was a two time all-star, he won a couple of the world series rings in 2002 and 2006, being named the MVP of the latter.
Career Span | AVG | OBP | SLG | HR | Hits | SB | WAR | WAR per Season |
2001-2010, 10 years | .281 | .345 | .355 | 35 | 1,414 | 123 | 16.8 | 1.7 per season |
Jim Edmonds
Edmonds spent most of his career making dazzling plays in the outfield for the Angels and Cardinals and also providing plenty of pop. He won a world series in 2006, and also was a four time all-star, won eight Gold Gloves, and he won a Silver Slugger in 2004.
Career Span | AVG | OBP | SLG | HR | Hits | SB | WAR | WAR per Season |
1993-2010, 17 years | .284 | .376 | .527 | 393 | 1,949 | 67 | 64.5 | 3.8 per season |
Nomar Garciaparra
He was Boston's answer to Derek Jeter, but had considerably less success, but still a decent if overrated career. He was a six-time all-star, won both the Rookie of the Year and a Silver Slugger in 1997, and was also named the 2006 NL Comeback Player of the Year.
Career Span | AVG | OBP | SLG | HR | Hits | SB | WAR | WAR per Season |
1996-2009, 13 years | .313 | 361 | .521 | 229 | 1,747 | 95 | 41.4 | 3.2 per season |
Troy Glaus
If not for numerous injuries, Glaus would probably still be playing and surely Hall of Fame bound, however human anatomy can be cruel. Nonetheless, Glaus does have a world series ring, a series in which he was named the MVP. He was also a four time all-star and a two time Silver Slugger,
Career Span | AVG | OBP | SLG | HR | Hits | SB | WAR | WAR per Season |
1998-2010, 12 years | .254 | .358 | .489 | 320 | 1,375 | 56 | 34.4 | 2.9 per season |
Ken Griffey Jr
The Kid is one of the greatest of all-time despite numerous, lengthy injuries throughout his career. He was the 1997 AL MVP, a 12-time all-star, he won seven Silver Slugger awards, as well as 10 Gold Gloves.
Career Span | AVG | OBP | SLG | HR | Hits | SB | WAR | WAR per Season |
1989-2010, 21 years | .284 | .370 | .538 | 630 | 2,781 | 184 | 77.7 | 3.7 per season |
Mark Grudzielanek
A journeyman second baseman who provided quality wherever he went. He has a Gold Glove award as well as a single all-star nomination under his belt.
Career Span | AVG | OBP | SLG | HR | Hits | SB | WAR | WAR per Season |
1995-2010, 15 years | .289 | .332 | .393 | 90 | 2,040 | 133 | 23.2 | 1.5 per season |
Mike Hampton
He once owned the largest contract in baseball after being slightly above average in the 90's, but is also known for being one of the best hitting pitchers in history, evidenced by his five Silver Slugger awards. He was also a two-time all-star and a Gold Glove winner.
Career Span | G/IP | W | ERA | FIP | K% | BB% | WAR | WAR per season |
1993-2010, 16 years | 418/2,268.1 | 148 | 4.06 | 4.27 | 14.1% | 9.2% | 28.0 | 1.7 per season |
Trevor Hoffman
One of the greatest closers of all-time, acquired his rookie year by San Diego, Hoffman close to decades closing out games for the Padres. He was a seven time all-star and two time NL Reliever of the Year, he also had his number retired by San Diego.
Career Span | G/IP | SV | ERA | FIP | K% | BB% | WAR | WAR per season |
1993-2010, 18 years | 1,035/1,089.1 | 601 | 2.87 | 3.08 | 25.8% | 7.0% | 26.1 | 1.5 per season |
Jason Kendall
One of the best hitting catchers of the past two decades, Kendall spent most of his time sitting atop the Pirates line-up where he racked up three all-star game nods.
Career Span | AVG | OBP | SLG | HR | Hits | SB | WAR | WAR per Season |
1996-2010, 15 years | .288 | .366 | .378 | 75 | 2,195 | 189 | 39.8 | 2.7 per season |
Jeff Kent
Considered one of the best hitting second baseman of his era, was a four-time Silver Slugger winner as well as a five time all-star and also the 2000 NL MVP.
Career Span | AVG | OBP | SLG | HR | Hits | SB | WAR | WAR per Season |
1992-2008, 17 years | .290 | .356 | ,500 | 377 | 2,461 | 94 | 56.1 | 3.3 per season |
Mike Lowell
A consistent clubhouse leader for two world series winning teams, Lowell was a four-time all-star, a Silver Slugger winner, and also had a Gold Glove to his as well as being the 2007 world series MVP.
Career Span | AVG | OBP | SLG | HR | Hits | SB | WAR | WAR per Season |
1998-2010, 13 years | .279 | .342 | .464 | 223 | 1,619 | 30 | 26.0 | 2 per season |
Edgar Martinez
Considered the greatest DH of all-time, Martinez was a career long Mariner. He was a seven time all-star and also had five Silver Slugger awards.
Career Span | AVG | OBP | SLG | HR | Hits | SB | WAR | WAR per Season |
1987-2004, 18 years | .312 | .418 | .515 | 309 | 49 | 65.5 | 3.6 per season |
Fred McGriff
The model of consistency and durability, you always knew what you'd get from the Crime Dog. hHe was excellent in the postseason and also won a world series in 1995. He was a three time Silver Slugger winner and a five-time all-star. Read more on his career, here.
Career Span | AVG | OBP | SLG | HR | Hits | SB | WAR | WAR per Season |
1986-2004, 19 years | .284 | .377 | .509 | 493 | 2,490 | 72 | 56.9 | 3.0 per season |
Mark McGwire
His iconic homerun record chase in 1998, some say helped save the game of baseball. McGwire was the 1986 AL Rookie of the Year, he won three Silver Slugger awards as well as a Gold Glove, and he was a 12-time all-star.
Career Span | AVG | OBP | SLG | HR | Hits | SB | WAR | WAR per Season |
1986-2001, 16 years | .263 | .394 | .588 | 583 | 1,626 | 12 | 66.3 | 4.1 per season |
Mike Mussina
One of the most underrated pitchers of the the past two decades, Mussina had impeccable command and was a workhorse on the mound. He was a five-time all-star and also won seven Gold Gloves
Career Span | G/IP | W | ERA | FIP | K% | BB% | WAR | WAR per season |
1991-2008, 18 years | 537/3,562.2 | 270 | 3.68 | 3.57 | 19.3% | 5.4% | 82.2 | 4.6 per season |
Mike Piazza
Without question, Piazza was the batch catcher in the majors during the 1990's as he racked up 10 Silver Slugger awards, 12 all-star game selections, and was also the 1993 NL Rookie of the Year.
Career Span | AVG | OBP | SLG | HR | Hits | SB | WAR | WAR per Season |
1992-2007, 16 years | .308 | .377 | .545 | 427 | 1,348 | 17 | 62.5 | 3.9 per season |
Tim Raines
The quintessential leadoff man, Raines made excellent contact, didn't strikeout much, walked plenty, and he was able to steal bases. The longtime Expo had his number retired, as he was a seven-time all-star, he won a Silver Slugger award, and also a world series in 1996.
Career Span | AVG | OBP | SLG | HR | Hits | SB | WAR | WAR per Season |
1979-2002, 23 years | .294 | .385 | .425 | 170 | 2,605 | 808 | 66.4 | 2.9 per season. |
Curt Schilling
He was never really the ace of the rotation but was always a dependable starter that worked deep into games. He would be a part of three world series championships and was also a six-time all-star.
Career Span | G/IP | W | ERA | FIP | K% | BB% | WAR | WAR per season |
1988-2007, 20 years | 569/3,261 | 216 | 3.46 | 3.23 | 23.5% | 5.4% | 79.7 | 4.0 per season |
Gary Sheffield
A journeyman outfielder, Sheffield never stayed with a team for too long, however he always hit very well. He was a nine-time all-star, won five Silver Sluggers, and also won a world series in 1997.
Career Span | AVG | OBP | SLG | HR | Hits | SB | WAR | WAR per Season |
1988-2009, 22 years | .292 | .393 | .514 | 509 | 2,689 | 253 | 62.1 | 2.8 |
Lee Smith
A fantastic closer for close to decades, Smith has been on the ballot a long time. He was a seven-time all-star and three time reliever of the year.
Career Span | G/IP | SV | ERA | FIP | K% | BB% | WAR | WAR per season |
1980-1997, 18 years | 1,022/1,289.1 | 478 | 3.03 | 2.89 | 23.2% | 9.0% | 26.6 | 1.5 per season |
Sammy Sosa
Slammin' Sosa had a ton of power, evidenced by his three seasons of over 60 home runs. He joined McGwire in the home run race of 1998, lost that but won the NL MVP. He was also a seven-time all-star and six Silver Sluggers.
Career Span | AVG | OBP | SLG | HR | Hits | SB | WAR | WAR per Season |
1989-2007, 17 years | .273 | .344 | .534 | 609 | 2,408 | 234 | 60.1 | 3.5 per season |
Mike Sweeney
A longtime member of the Royals, Sweeney was a clubhouse leader and a solid player. For his efforts, he was a five-time all-star.
Career Span | AVG | OBP | SLG | HR | Hits | SB | WAR | WAR per Season |
1995-2010, 16 years | .297 | .366 | .486 | 215 | 995 | 53 | 21.1 | 1.3 per season |
Alan Trammell
Another longtime member on this ballot, Trammell was a career Tiger and he provided excellent play, year in and out. He was a six-time all-star. he won a world series in 1984, won three Silver Sluggers, and four Gold Gloves.
Career Span | AVG | OBP | SLG | HR | Hits | SB | WAR | WAR per Season |
1977-1996, 20 years | .285 | .352 | .415 | 185 | 2,365 | 236 | 63.7 | 3.2 per season |
Billy Wagner
He could have been the greatest reliever of all time if not for injuries, however despite that he still churned out a pretty nice career. He was a six-time all-star and the NL reliever of the year in 1999.
Career Span | G/IP | SV | ERA | FIP | K% | BB% | WAR | WAR per season |
1995-2010, 16 years | 853/903 | 422 | 2.31 | 2.73 | 33.2% | 8.3% | 24.2 | 1.5 per season |
Larry Walker
The big, powerful lefty thrived in the Colorado air as he spent most of his career with the Rockies, but he could also get it done with the glove. He has seven Gold Gloves to go along with three Silver Slugger awards, he was also the 1997 NL MVP and a five-time all-star.
Career Span | AVG | OBP | SLG | HR | Hits | SB | WAR | WAR per Season |
1989-2005, 17 years | .313 | .400 | .565 | 383 | 2,160 | 230 | 68.7 | 4.0 per season |
Randy Winn
Randy Winn very quietly put together a long successful career having played with many organizations after being traded for a manager following the 2002 season as he routinely replicated his production. The only real honor he received during his playing days was his all-star nod in 2002.
Career Span | AVG | OBP | SLG | HR | Hits | SB | WAR | WAR per Season |
1998-2010, 13 years | .284 | .343 | .416 | 110 | 1,759 | 215 | 28.1 | 2.2 per season |
Poll is closed. Thanks to those who voted.