In light of the latest Contemporary Era Committe for the MLB Baseball Hall of Fame I would like to give my list of the greatest MLB players not in the Hall of Fame. I was real excited for this year's Contemporary ballot because it saw one of Indiana's favorite ball players up for selection. In all due respect to Jeff Kent, who was the committee's selection for this year, I do not believe that he should have been choosen. This person believes that at least two players should have been selected before Jeff Kent. Those players would be Dale Murphy (Murph or The Murph, Gentle Giant), the legendary Atlanta Brave and Indiana's favorite son, The Hit Man, "Donnie Baseball", Don Mattingly. Where is the nickname for Jeff Kent all the best ones have a nickname.
First, I want to take a look at why I feel Jeff Kent should not have been picked as the Contemporary Era Committee's 2025 selection for 2026 enshirement into the MLB Hall of Fame in Cooperstown.
Jeff Kent was a very poor defensive second basemand during his time in the show. In addition, for a middle of the infield position he was not very fast and below average on the basepaths. A lot of the new era guys look at WAR (wins above replacement) and his WAR is 55.4 compared to the average Hall of Fame second baseman, which is 69.5. Kent didn't reach any of the milestones one looks for in a Hall of Fame member......... 500 homeruns (377), .300 career hitter (.290), 3,000 hits (2,461) and he never won a World Series. The only major feather in his cap is he won the NL MVP in 2,000 when he was with the Giants. A lot of attention is brought to the fact that Kent has the most Home Runs for a 2B, however he didn't always play 2B because he came up as a third basemen with the Jays and Mets.
Lets look at the teams that Kent Played for. He started with the Toronto Blue Jays in 1992, but was traded to the NY Mets that year, so we won't count the Jays. He played for the Mets from 1992 - 1996, the Indians in 1996, the SF Giants from 1997 - 2002, the Astros in 2003 and 2004 and finished with the Dodgers from 2005 - 2008. During his MLB tenure he as traded 3 times, not many Hall of Fame members are traded let alone traded 3 times. A hall of fame member should be one of the best players in baseball, Jeff Kent was never the best player on his team.
New York Mets: Bobby Bonilla, Dave Magaden, Eddie Murray
Cleveland Indians: Manny Ramirez, Jim Thome, Albert Belle
San Francisco Gians: Someone name Barry Bonds (who he got into a fight with). JT Snow, Ellis Burks
Houston Astros: Jeff Bagwell, Craig Biggio, Lance Berkman (Killer B's)
LA Dodger: Matt Kemp, Russell Martin, Nomar Garciaparra
As we prepare to release the Top MLB players at each position that should be in the current MLB Hall of Fame, we need to get one thing out of the way with the list. You will not see Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, Pete Rose or Shoeless Joe Jackson on the list. This has nothing to do with being banned at one point. They are not on the list because these players are no brainers and should be IN! That might sound a little controversial or upset some individuals, however if that is one of you, I am sorry this post is from my perspective. A brief summary of why: 1. There is zero proof of wrong doing with Jackson, Bonds or Clemens......... just speculation. When it comes to Rose, one he is no longer banned and two his actions happened after he was done playing and we are looking at Pete as a player, not a manager. You will also, no see Alex Rodriguez. He has proof against him, he lied and the third reason is he played half his career at 3B and half at SS, so he is a wash.
The list will consist of:
1 Catcher, Starting 5 pitching rotation, 2 Relief Pitchers. 1 1B, 1 2B, 1 3B, 1 SS, and 3 OF.
Catcher: Thurman Munson
Thurman Munson's Hall of Fame case rests on his elite catching skills, leadership as Yankee captain and clutch postseason performance, making him a dominant force with an MVP award, Rookie of the Year title, Gold Gloves, and high WAR, but he fell short on the ballot due to his short career and lower traditional stats compared to other catchers, despite significant modern analysis showing his era-adjusted value, particularly his unmatched playoff hitting and defense. Again, if he doesn't die in a plane crash we probably wouldn't have him on this list.
Starting Pitcher: Curt Schilling
Curt Schilling's Hall of Fame case rests on his dominant postseason peformance, including three World Series rings (2001, 2004, 2007) and iconic "Bloody Sock" game, alongside impressive career stats like 3,116 strikeouts and a stellar 11-2 playoff record; however, his controversial off-field political statements and actions significantly impacted his voting, leading to his exclusion by Baseball Writers Association of America (BBWAA) voters despite strong on-field credentials. Schilling was the number 1 pitcher on the teams he played for and that included playing with Pedro Martinez and Randy Johnson. In a big game, you wanted Curt Schilling on the mound.
Starting Pitcher: Luis Tiant
Luis Tiant's case for the Baseball Hall of Fame rests on his exceptional "big game" pitching, particularly dominate 1975 World Series performance, unique style, and impressive career stats (229 wins, 2416 K's), making him a beloved fan favorite despite falling short on the BBWAA ballot. Supporters argue his postseason heroics, four 20-win seasons, 187 complete games, 1.60 ERA in 1968 and ability to reinvent himself after an injury highlight a prime, Hall-worthy career deserving of a Veterans Committee nod.
Starting Pitcher: Orel Hershiser
Orel Hershiser's strong Hall of Fame case rests on his dominant 1988 season (Cy Young, record 59 scoreless innings, World Series MVP) and exceptional postseason performance, earning him multiple awards, including World Series MVP and NLCS MVP, plus career achievements like a Cy Young Award, Gold Glove, and All-Star nods, though he fell short on the BBWAA ballot but was considered by the Today's Game Era Committee. He had the nickname as “Bulldog” known for his fierce competitiveness and best performances under pressure.
Starting Pitcher: Roy Oswalt
Roy Oswalt's case for the Hall of Fame rests on his dominant peak performance as an elite starting pitcher, especially for the Houston Astros, marked by multiple All-Star selections, Cy Young votes, an ERA title, and clutch postseason play (like NLCS MVP in 2005), leading to high WAR and strong traditional stats (163 wins, 3.36 ERA) that rival some enshrined pitchers, despite a relatively shorter peak due to injuries and a quicker decline.
Starting Pitcher: Ron Guidry
Ron Guidry's Hall of Fame case rests on his dominant peak, especially his 1978 Cy Young season (25-3, 1.74 ERA), and his overall strong career with the Yankees (170-91, 3.29 ERA), earning five Gold Gloves, multiple All-Star nods, and a reputation for elevating his team's performance, though he fell short due to a relatively short period of elite dominance compared to the typical Hall of Famer. For about seven years (1977-1983), he was one of baseball's best pitchers, leading the league in ERA, winning percentage, and complete games at times. He had a .651 winning percentage, 5 Gold Gloves for a pitcher and 4 All-Star selections.
Relief Pitcher: Dan Quisenberry
Dan Quisenberry's case for the Hall of Fame rests on his dominant, albeit shorter, career as one of the 1980s' premier closers, featuring five AL saves titles, multiple top-five Cy Young finishes, an unconventional submarine delivery, and being a key piece of the 1985 World Series team, with supporters arguing his efficiency (low walks) and peak performance warrant induction despite lacking the sheer longevity of others like Bruce Sutter, who was elected. He holds the record for the lowest walk rate for any pitcher since the 1920’s. Won the AL Rolaids Relief Man Award 5 times.
Starting Pitcher: Jeff Reardon
Jeff Reardon's Hall of Fame case rests on his elite closer stats, including being the then-all-time saves leader (367), leading MLB in saves in 1985 (41), achieving 40+ save seasons in both leagues, a 1987 World Series title, and consistent high-level performance (12 straight seasons with 20+ saves), making him one of baseball's dominant relievers, deserving of the National Baseball Hall of Fame despite falling short in voting.
Firstbase: Don Mattingly
The Case For Don Mattingly is his dominant peak. For six seasons (1984-1989),he was arguably the best player in baseball, winning the 1985 AL MVP, a batting title, and leading the league in RBIs, averaging 27 HRs and 114 RBIs. He had elite defense as well, winning nine Gold Glove awards at first base, showcasing exceptional fielding. He was a beloved figure, voted by his peers as the best player in baseball. He was the captain of the historic NY Yankee franchise. A severe back injury cut his prime short, leaving his career totals and longevity below traditional HOF thresholds.
Second Base: Dustin Pedroia
Dustin Pedroia's Hall of Fame case rests on his incredible peak performance, winning Rookie of the Year, MVP, and multiple Gold Gloves in his first few years, plus two World Series rings with the Red Sox; he was a dominant second baseman known for his exceptional defense and gritty play, but a career cut short by injuries (especially a significant knee issue) is the primary factor working against his longevity and overall career totals needed for Cooperstown. Career batting average of .302 and 4 Gold Gloves.
Third Base: Craig Nettles
Graig Nettles' Hall of Fame case rests on his elite, all-around performance, combining legendary defense (2 Gold Gloves, record-setting assists) with significant power hitting (390 HRs, AL HR leader in '76) and clutch play, accumulating high WAR (68), though his low batting average often overshadowed his value, making him an underrated star whose impact was better understood through advanced metrics than traditional stats. He played in 3 World Series and was the ALCS MVP in 1981.
ShortStop: Nomar Garciapara
If you take A-Rod of the list,there really are not a lot of potential HOF shortstops. Nomar Garciaparra was considered a future Hall of Famer due to a dominant, explosive start to his career (Rookie of the Year, two batting titles, MVP votes) comparable to Jeter and A-Rod, but his Hall of Fame chances vanished because of chronic injuries, particularly to his wrist, which derailed his prime, limited his longevity, and prevented him from reaching milestone statistics like 3,000 hits or 500 home runs, ultimately leading to his early exit from the ballot despite elite peak performance. That peak performance showed immense potential, with high batting averages, power, and strong defense, making him a Red Sox icon.
Outfield: Dale Murphy
The case for Dale Murphy in the Baseball Hall of Fame rests on his dominant peak (back-to-back MVPs, multiple All-Star/Gold Glove/Silver Slugger awards, leading the league in key stats), exceptional character as a role model (no PEDs, great ambassador), and strong advanced metrics/comparison to Hall of Famers like Kirby Puckett, making him a unique, beloved figure whose only perceived shortfall is falling just shy of traditional counting stats (like 400 HRs/2,500 Hits).
1985: Dale Murphy #3 of the Atlanta Braves readies at bat during a game in1985. Dale Murphy played for the Atlanta Braves from 1976-1990. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Dale Murphy
Outfield: Bobby Abreu
Bobby Abreu's Hall of Fame case rests on his rare combination of elite plate discipline (high OBP, many walks) with power and speed, making him a unique, well-rounded offensive threat, but his lack of traditional "sexy" stats (like 3000 hits or 300 HRs) and playing on weaker teams limited early voters' recognition, though advanced metrics like WAR show strong HOF credentials. He's one of few with 200 HRs, 1200 BBs, and 400 SBs, joining only Barry Bonds and Hall of Famers Joe Morgan & Rickey Henderson.
Outfield: Carlos Beltran
Carlos Beltrán's strong Hall of Fame case rests on his elite all-around five-tool talent, boasting 400+ HR, 300+ SB, 3 time Gold Glove winner, and one of the best postseason résumés ever, but his 2017 Astros sign-stealing scandal involvement significantly complicates his candidacy, with voters weighing his incredible on-field achievements against his role in the cheating scandal. One of only a handful 400+ HR and 300+ SB players. He has the highest postseason OPS and has a 70/1 WAR.
9/28/08 3:42:51 PM -- Queens, NY, U.S.A -- The Florida Marlins visit the New York Mets. The Mets hope to make the wildcard as they play the last regular season game at Shea Stadium. -- New York Mets center fielder Carlos Beltran ties game w 2 run hr in the 6th Photo by Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY Staff ORG XMIT: RD 35191 mets 9/28/2008 (Via MerlinFTP Drop) Xxx Mets Rd202 Jpg S Bbn Usa Ny
Now after looking over this list, I am not suggesting that all of these players listed should be inducted in the Hall of Fame. We are talking about the Hall of Fame, not the Hall of Very Good. The purose of this post is to highlight the most deserving players at each position that are not in the Hall of Fame currently. It was already stated that Barry Bonds (all-time homerun leader) and Roger Clemens (Most Cy Young Awards) should be in the Hall. As well as the All-Time hits leader Pete Rose should already be in. Those guys, along with Shoeless Joe Jackson should be one of the 2 outfielders, the third baseman and the starting pitcher on the list. Well, I guess you could put ROse in multiple positions.
In all reality of the 15 players that were listed, this post writer believes that the following should find their way into Cooperstown and all of these listed should get in before Jeff Kent.
C- Thurman Munson, SP- Curt Schilling, 1B- Don Mattingly, 2B- Dustin Pedroia, OF- Dale Murphy and Carlos Beltran
If you feel like you have someone better or you simply disagree (or agree) please leave a comment.
