Veteran baseball writer Jayson Stark recently released a list that designates nine active players as near‑certain selections for the Baseball Hall of Fame, a move that has quickly become a focal point of discussion among fans, analysts, and former players alike.
The List and the Controversy
Stark’s selections are grounded in a combination of MVP awards, Cy Young honors, World Series championships and historic statistical milestones, underscoring the weight of his endorsement.
Yet the list omits several high‑profile names, among them dominant closers Aroldis Chapman, Kenley Jansen and Craig Kimbrel, as well as star position players Bryce Harper, Manny Machado and Salvador Perez, and veteran pitchers Jacob deGrom and Chris Sale. The exclusion of these athletes has sparked intense debate about the criteria that should govern Hall of Fame induction.
Jose Altuve’s inclusion also raises eyebrows because of his involvement in the Houston Astros sign‑stealing scandal, adding a layer of controversy that extends beyond pure performance metrics.
The conversation highlights the evolving nature of baseball’s historical evaluation, as the sport grapples with how to balance on‑field achievements with off‑field narratives. As the debate continues, the ultimate decisions will shape the Hall’s future composition and the standards by which future candidates are measured.