5 potential career milestones affected by MLB's shortened season

5 potential career milestones affected by MLB’s shortened season

ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 29: Albert Pujols #5 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim is congratulated in the dugout in the fifth inning against the Houston Astros at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on September 29, 2019 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Kent Horner/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) /

2. Cole Hamels — 3,000 career strikeouts

There are only 18 pitchers in baseball history that have recorded at least 3,000 career strikeouts. Among them, only four players are not currently in the Baseball Hall of Fame: Roger Clemens, Curt Schilling, CC Sabathia and Verlander. The latter two are locks to eventually etch their name in Cooperstown, while Clemens and Schilling are not in for reasons such as accused PED use over their careers.

Among active players today, four players are just 500 strikeouts way from 3,000, including Cole Hamels. The former Philadelphia Phillies fan-favorite is 442 strikeouts away from reaching the lauded number. At the age of 36, this milestone has a probable chance of being completing pending his health.

This upcoming campaign with the Atlanta Braves, Hamels is projected to be a backend starter for their rotation. According to Fangraphs’ steamer projections, he is on par to log 49 strikeouts over 54 innings pitched. This is sure to be a realistic projection for a pitcher who has been a reliable starter over the years.

Thus, Hamels would then need 393 strikeouts over the rest of his career to get to the 3,000 mark. If he can push himself to play three or more seasons, he should surpass by number with ease. Over his last three years, Hamels recorded 436 strikeouts over 83 starts.

Adding this milestone to a career achievements list that already includes four All-Star selections and a 2008 World Series MVP can help him garner much-needed votes for the Baseball Hall of Fame.

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