7 players who should get another shot at Cooperstown

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7 players who should get another shot at Cooperstown

‘Tis the season for festivities, feasts, and family gatherings, and, for baseball enthusiasts, it’s also the time for passionate debates on who deserves a spot in the Baseball Hall of Fame. As discussions heat up over longevity, peak production, awards, and WAR, among other metrics, a compelling subtopic emerges—players who didn’t make the Hall of Fame cut but warrant a second look. Seven MLB.com writers have weighed in, each selecting a player deserving of another shot at Cooperstown. Here’s a glimpse into seven players who could merit a return to the Hall of Fame ballot:

  1. Lou Whitaker, 2B
    • Year(s) on ballot: 2001 (2.9%)
    • Why he deserves another chance: Despite a one-and-done stint in 2001, Whitaker’s consistent offensive output and stellar defense make a compelling case. With a career OPS+ average of 123 and three Gold Glove Awards, Whitaker’s overall impact, as reflected in his 75.1 career bWAR, surpasses many Hall of Fame second basemen.

7 players who should get another shot at Cooperstown

7 players who should get another shot at Cooperstown

  1. Johan Santana, SP
    • Year(s) on ballot: 2018 (2.4%)
    • Why he deserves another chance: Santana’s peak performance, marked by two Cy Young Awards and dominant stats from 2002-2010, should not be overshadowed by his lower career win total. With a 2.90 ERA and numerous accolades, including the first no-hitter in Mets history, Santana’s impact on the game merits further consideration.
  2. Keith Hernandez, 1B
    • Year(s) on ballot: 1996-2004 (high of 10.8%)
    • Why he deserves another chance: Hernandez, renowned for his defensive prowess at first base, clinched 11 consecutive Gold Glove Awards. With an impressive .296 batting average, a .384 on-base percentage, and a 128 OPS+, Hernandez’s well-rounded contributions extend beyond traditional power numbers.
broken wall san francisco giants mlb baseball team rug carpet living room 1 zSyCc
broken wall san francisco giants mlb baseball team rug carpet living room 1 zSyCc
  1. Kenny Lofton, CF
    • Year(s) on ballot: 2013 (3.2%)
    • Why he deserves another chance: Lofton’s all-around skills, including a career 68.4 WAR, place him among elite center fielders. His combination of hitting and base-stealing, evident in his inclusion in the 2,400-hit, 600-stolen base club, aligns with the achievements of Hall of Famers.
  2. Dick Allen, 1B/3B/LF
    • Year(s) on ballot: 1983-97 (high of 18.9%)
    • Why he deserves another chance: Allen’s ferocious hitting during his prime stands out, with a park-adjusted 165 OPS+ leading the Majors from 1964-74. Despite a shorter career, Allen’s dominance in a pitcher-friendly era and his impressive offensive numbers warrant a fresh evaluation.

7 players who should get another shot at Cooperstown

7 players who should get another shot at Cooperstown

  1. Kevin Brown, SP
    • Year(s) on ballot: 2011 (2.1%)
    • Why he deserves another chance: In a crowded 2011 ballot, Brown faced tough competition, and the era’s reliance on traditional stats may have influenced his one-and-done fate. Brown’s 211 wins, 2,397 strikeouts, and postseason contributions merit reconsideration, especially in light of modern analytics.

As the Hall of Fame debates unfold, these players’ overlooked contributions and impact on the game make a compelling case for their return to the ballot.

7 players who should get another shot at Cooperstown

7 players who should get another shot at Cooperstown

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