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MLB Hall of Fame: 5 current players who are HOF locks

By Jennifer Rainwater

Apr 17, 2013; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners pitcher Felix Hernandez (34) reacts after the final out of the eighth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 17, 2013; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners pitcher Felix Hernandez (34) reacts after the final out of the eighth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

Albert Pujols, first base, Los Angeles Angels/St. Louis Cardinals

Albert Pujols surprised a lot of people this season. Easily the greatest hitter of his generation, it was thought by some that the slugger’s skills were declining.

He had the worst offensive season of his MLB career in 2013, batting just .258 when he had never previously had a batting average lower than .285. In his 14 MLB seasons, Pujols has a career batting average of .319. His highest season batting average ever came in his third season in the league when he hit an astonishing .359 on the year.

Pujols has bounced back in 2014. He is currently batting an improved .275 with 20 home runs and 66 RBI. That RBI total is more than he had in all of the 2013 season. Pujols also became a member of the elite 500 home run club in 2014, virtually assuring him a place in MLB history.

A nine-time MLB All-Star and three-time National League MVP, Pujols has led the league in almost every offensive category during one season or another. He’s finished first in the league, at least once, in runs scored, hits, doubles, home runs, RBI, batting average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage and OPS. Those are some really impressive statistics, especially when he’s accomplished those feats more than once in the majority of those categories.

On top of those offensive accomplishments, Pujols has also been awarded the Gold Glove for N.L. first basemen twice during his storied career.

Albert Pujols is one of the MLB ‘s greatest hitters, definitely of his generation but also, of all-time. His offensive exploits all but guarantee him a future membership in the Hall of Fame.

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