Hall of Famer: Boston
Boston Red Sox
In this series, I’ll look at each MLB team’s position player and pitcher that is the most deserving of Hall of Fame consideration. They have to be a starter or significant contributor (sorry Ichiro, I still love you).
Boston Red Sox
Position Player: Dustin Pedroia (2B)
With the retirement of David Ortiz at the end of the 2016 season, Dustin Pedroia is now the most likely Red Sox to one day grace the halls of Cooperstown. Few 2B historically have been as good as Pedroia both offensively and defensively, as shown by his 52.5 WAR at age 33 (already higher than 8 2B HOFers). He’s been a ROY, MVP, AL Wilson Overall Defensive Player, and a key contributor on two World Series winners. He’s a career .301 hitter, and if he has two or three more successful seasons he should be a lock.
HOF Chance: 82.5%
Pitcher: Chris Sale (SP)
It’s hard to look over Cy Young Winner David Price, but his lack of postseason success (2–8 with a 5.54 ERA) and age (about to be 32 and fading fast) disqualify him. Craig Kimbrel is also a possibility (6-time All Star), but it’s much harder for relief pitchers to make the Hall than starting pitchers. That leaves Chris Sale. The 28 year old is having another stellar, all-star season, and might win his first Cy Young Award this year (he’s finished in the top 6 five times). He’s got 36.4 WAR and an ERA under 3.00, and although he’s got a long way to go, a few Cy Young’s, and a few more strikeout titles and he could be in.
HOF Chance: 50%
