Fansided

Each MLB team’s current Hall of Famer

By Benjamin Chase

ANAHEIM, CA - APRIL 27: Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim first baseman Albert Pujols (5) and center fielder Mike Trout (27) head for the dugout after both scored on an Angels hit in the seventh inning of a game against the New York Yankees played on April 27, 2018 at Angel Stadium of Anaheim in Anaheim, CA. (Photo by John Cordes/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CA - APRIL 27: Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim first baseman Albert Pujols (5) and center fielder Mike Trout (27) head for the dugout after both scored on an Angels hit in the seventh inning of a game against the New York Yankees played on April 27, 2018 at Angel Stadium of Anaheim in Anaheim, CA. (Photo by John Cordes/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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MLB Hall of Fame
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – APRIL 10: Paul Goldschmidt #44 of the Arizona Diamondbacks bats against the San Francisco Giants in the top of the third inning at AT&T Park on April 10, 2018 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Arizona Diamondbacks: Paul Goldschmidt

The Baseball Hall of Fame currently has only one player wearing a Diamondbacks cap: Randy Johnson. Unfortunately, no players on the future eligibles list really strike up the idea that this could happen with anyone else in the next 4-5 years, so current players are the best option for the Diamondbacks to get their first MLB Hall of Fame inductee with the Diamondbacks as their primary team.

While Goldschmidt has just one more season after 2018 that he’s certain to be with the team, he has a rare blend of athleticism and strength at first base that would make him a wise investment for the Diamondbacks long-term if they can come to an agreement. Thus far, Goldschmidt has really shown out as a star.

The player that Goldschmidt has always reminded me of is Jeff Bagwell, and if you project Goldschmidt out through his age-35 season at his past 5 seasons’ pace, he’d end up with around 450 doubles, 350 home runs, and 225 stolen bases. Most guys really settle into their power in their 30s, but interestingly, through their age 29 season (Goldschmidt completed his age-29 season in 2017), Goldschmidt has a .299/.399/.532 line with 232 doubles, 176 home runs, and 117 stolen bases. Bagwell through his age 29 season had a .304/.409/.536 line with 246 doubles, 187 home runs, and 109 stolen bases, all very similar numbers.

The Diamondbacks would need to bring Goldy back after the 2019 season to ensure he doesn’t go elsewhere to really have those big power years of his career and end up wearing a different hat into the MLB Hall of Fame.

Next: Dodgers

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