Richie Allen and Dave Parker.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by rats60

Buster Posey and Jon Lester are the strongest candidates. In 2026 it is Ryan Braun and Cole Hamels. Jones strongest competition from returning candidates are Carlos Beltan and CC Sabathia if they don't get in this year. I can see two 2 player classes of Jones, Sabathia, Beltran and Posey for 2026 and 2027.

I don't see Lester, Braun or Hamels as HOFers off the top of my head. The other three should make it, and I suppose Jones might get over the top as well especially with not strong competition.

[egri]

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth

I don't see Lester, Braun or Hamels as HOFers off the top of my head. The other three should make it, and I suppose Jones might get over the top as well especially with not strong competition.

I think Lester has a stronger Veteran's Committee case (or whatever they're calling it nowadays). We're not going to see another 200-game winner for a while, and has a strong narrative; cancer wipes out half his rookie year, he comes back to win the World Series the following year, then throws a no-hitter the year after, and later was a part of the 2013 team that won after the Boston Marathon bombing, then goes to Chicago and helps them win.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by egri

I think Lester has a stronger Veteran's Committee case (or whatever they're calling it nowadays). We're not going to see another 200-game winner for a while, and has a strong narrative; cancer wipes out half his rookie year, he comes back to win the World Series the following year, then throws a no-hitter the year after, and later was a part of the 2013 team that won after the Boston Marathon bombing, then goes to Chicago and helps them win.

Wainwright also won exactly 200. Not sure he feels like a HOFer to me either, but maybe.

[packs]

I don’t think Lester makes it. He’s in the Tim Hudson class for me. Not appreciated enough but also I don’t think HOF worthy.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by packs

I don’t think Lester makes it. He’s in the Tim Hudson class for me. Not appreciated enough but also I don’t think HOF worthy.

A lot of pitchers feel like that to me. David Wells, Frank Tanana, Dennis Martinez, Kevin Brown, Billy Pierce. All with more wins I believe.

[KJA]

Originally Posted by packs

I don’t think Lester makes it. He’s in the Tim Hudson class for me. Not appreciated enough but also I don’t think HOF worthy.

I think if he gets in then it will be his postseason record that pushed him over the edge. But he is more of an Veterans Committee if he gets in but he should at least stick around on the ballot like Buehrle has.