Astros: Current, former players Hall of Fame chances

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Oct 14, 2020; San Diego, California, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Zack Greinke (21) pitches in the first inning against the Tampa Bay Rays during game four of the 2020 ALCS at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /

Current Astros – The Locks

Justin Verlander

Justin Verlander will be out all year recovering from Tommy John surgery, so it’s entirely possible his Astros career is done. He’s already a lock to make the Hall of Fame, with 71.8 career WAR, more than 3,000 strikeouts, two Cy Young Awards, an MVP, and 226 wins. I’d be surprised if he doesn’t get in on the first ballot.

But an Astros cap? While he’s been incredible since coming to Houston, he spent the vast majority of his career in Detroit. If he were to come back and pitch a few more seasons with the Astros, then there might be a conversation. But for now, he’s definitely looking like he’ll be wearing a Tigers cap on his plaque.

Zack Greinke

With 72.2 career WAR, MLB.com has Zack Greinke as a no-doubt Hall of Famer, and I agree. He has 208 wins, a 3.37 career ERA, and could end up with 3,000 strikeouts if he pitches effectively for a couple more seasons. He’s also a six-time All Star, six-time Gold Glove winner and has a Cy Young on his mantle. I don’t know if he’ll be in on the first ballot, but he’ll make it for sure.

He’s bounced around quite a bit in his career, though, so it’s not clear which team he would represent. If he pitches a few more seasons with the Astros, it’s entirely possible there’s a conversation to be had. Right now, I’d say the Royals (where he spent his first seven seasons) are the most likely, even though he had his best years with the Dodgers. This one’s yet to be determined.

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