The Hall of Fame is nearly every Major League Baseball player’s dream, but reaching that level of greatness is an uphill climb that only a few succeed at. It takes more than raw talent—players need consistency, leadership, and the ability to deliver in the clutch. Here are 15 players who already show signs of having what it takes to earn a spot among the all-time greats.
Mike Trout
Mike Trout, the Los Angeles Angels outfielder, has set an exceptional standard since his debut in 2011. With three MVP Awards and 11 All-Star selections, Trout’s consistency at the plate makes him a likely candidate for Cooperstown as he persists to build on an already impressive resume in MLB.
Max Scherzer
A three-time Cy Young Award winner, Scherzer has surpassed 3.14 career ERA and has been named an All-Star eight times. His sustained excellence across multiple teams and pivotal role in the Washington Nationals’ 2019 World Series victory add significant weight to his Hall of Fame credentials.
Justin Verlander
Justin Verlander continues to defy age on the mound with his remarkable performances. The right-hander, who has pitched for the Detroit Tigers, Houston Astros, and New York Mets, boasts three Cy Young Awards and an MVP title. Verlander’s career 3,405 strikeouts place him among the skilled pitchers of his generation.
Clayton Kershaw
Despite battling injuries in recent years, Clayton Kershaw has been one of the most talented pitchers in modern baseball. From 2011 to 2015, Kershaw won three Cy Young Awards and an MVP. With a career 2.49 ERA, Kershaw’s left-handed dominance continues to make him a standout in the MLB.
Shohei Ohtani
As a two-way player, Shohei Ohtani’s ability to excel both as a pitcher and hitter is unmatched. In 2021, he had one of the greatest seasons in MLB history, earning MVP honors. He followed it up with another stellar performance in 2023. Ohtani shows excellent promise and could become a Hall of Famer soon.
Nolan Arenado
Another great addition to this list is Nolan Arenado, whose defensive wizardry at third base is top-notch. The St. Louis Cardinals star has claimed ten consecutive Gold Glove Awards (2013-2022) and maintained a career .285 batting average with 340 home runs through the 2024 season.
Zack Greinke
Zack Greinke, a premier right-handed pitcher, has built a compelling case for Cooperstown over his illustrious career. The former Cy Young Award winner has acquired 225 wins and 2,979 strikeouts through the 2023 season, with a career 3.49 ERA. Greinke has six Gold Glove Awards.
Bryce Harper
With seven All-Star selections and a career .281 batting average, Bryce Harper has lived up to the MLB hype. At the end of the 2021 season, Harper had collected two NL MVP awards and still has time to strengthen his Hall of Fame case, provided he stays healthy.
Mookie Betts
Mookie Betts has been a superstar player in Boston and Los Angeles, two of baseball’s biggest markets. He has already secured an AL MVP award, two World Series championships, and six Gold Glove Awards. Betts’ career .295 batting average through 2024 demonstrates his exceptional offensive skills.
Jose Altuve
Standing at just 5’6″, Jose Altuve has become one of the most skilled second basemen in the MLB currently. Altuve prides a career 2,208 hits and 227 home runs. His accolades include an American League MVP award in 2017, nine All-Star selections, and three batting titles.
Gerrit Cole
The New York Yankees’ ace has become one of baseball’s top pitchers. Gerrit’s career has seen six All-Star selections and a standout 2019 season with 326 strikeouts. He has achieved 2,230 strikeouts and a 3.18 ERA with a fastball and sharp breaking pitches.
Paul Goldschmidt
Paul Goldschmidt won his first MVP Award in 2022 at age 35. The St. Louis Cardinals’ first baseman has seven All-Star selections and four Gold Glove Awards under his belt. Goldschmidt’s career .289 batting average and 2,035 hits speaks to his sustained excellence at the plate.
Jacob deGrom
Now with the Texas Rangers, the former Mets ace claimed back-to-back NL Cy Young Awards in 2018 and 2019. He boasts a career 2.67 ERA and a Win-Loss record of 84-57 (through 2023). Jacob deGrom has become one of baseball’s most dominant pitchers in just a few seasons.
Freddie Freeman
His smooth left-handed swing has produced a career .300 batting average and 342 home runs through the 2024 season. Freeman’s ability to hit for both average and power, coupled with his excellent defense at first base (evidenced by his Gold Glove Award in 2018), makes him a complete package.
Aaron Judge
One of the tallest players in the league, Aaron Judge, had his breakthrough in the 2017 rookie season, where he received the AL Rookie of the Year award. Judge’s 2022 campaign was historic, as he became the AL player with the most single-season home runs with 62 round-trippers, surpassing Roger Maris’s long-standing mark.
15 Current MLB Players With Hall Of Fame Potential