Who do Cubs fans look forward to now to join the Hall of Fame?

By Nicholas D. Blazek | Jan 7, 2015

The BBWAA elected four new members to the Baseball Hall of Fame this week, and it left me asking myself – Are there any Chicago Cubs on the horizon?

Lee Smith received 30.2 percent of the vote, but he’s a far cry from the necessary 75 percent. The man is third all-time in saves with 478. I think he needs to be in. But that’s my heart talking, not my logic. And Sammy Sosa is clearly never making it to the Hall of Fame barring, well, I don’t even know what it will take. But with those not looking good, then who?

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There were a few eligible players on this year’s ballot that spent some time with the Cubs, but none of them are what I consider Cubs. I know that sounds strange, but if you’re a fan of any team you know what I mean.

So now we have to look at the upcoming classes to see if we can find the next inductee from the Cubs. Are there many possibilities? Other than Golden Era and Veterans, we’ll keep it to the writers vote.

2017 Class – Derrek Lee (7 Seasons with Cubs)

Derrek Lee spent six and-a-half seasons with the Cubs, being traded to the Atlanta Braves in August of 2010. In his 15 years in the league, it’s hard to argue that he didn’t have the greatest success in Chicago. After being part of the Marlins team that eliminated the Cubs in 2003, Lee brought his talent to Wrigley, and quickly became a fan-favorite.

In just his second season with the Cubs, he led the National League in several batting categories, including winning the NL batting title. He added to that a Gold Glove Award, Silver Slugger and finished third in NL MVP voting. He would finish his career a three-time Gold Glove winner, making his mark and adding to a history of quality Cubs’ first baseman.

2018 Class – Kerry Wood (12 Seasons with Cubs)

Kerry Wood may likely be one of the Cubs most recognizable players, and he made his mark early. Following a 20 strikeout performance against the Houston Astros, everyone knew who the big Texan was. He was the 1998 NL Rookie of the Year, and was a two-time All-Star with the Cubs. After more health issues slowed him, he returned in 2008 to save 34 games, making the All-Star game as a reliever. He returned at a “hometown” discount in 2011, finishing his career where it started.

While he had some memorable moments as a Cubs pitcher, it’s hard to think Wood has a solid enough resume to make the HOF. Every player with a “good stretch” can’t be part of it. It’s about the full body of work. So while he’s one of my favorites in Cubs’ history, he won’t be the answer to our question.

2020 Class – Alfonso Soriano (7 Seasons in Chicago)

While most will point to Alfonso Soriano’s contract before all else, he still was the Cubs most productive hitters in his time in Chicago. While his fielding and consistency couldn’t be counted on, when Soriano was hot he could carry a team by himself. He was a two-time All-Star with the Cubs, and help guide them to back-to-back Division Championships. Unfortunately they both ended in a sweep, and the Cubs haven’t been close since.

Because of the deal Soriano signed, he got much of the blame for the Cubs lack a payroll flexibility. He took advantage of the system in all honesty. Soriano eventually accepted a trade back to the Yankees, and like Wood he finished where he had started. If his knees could have held up better, the career of Soriano may have continued upward. But his time in Chicago did bring a few winning years, but not enough to believe the Hall of Fame is a lock.

Just looking at the future eligibles, it’s hard to believe the Cubs will have an inductee in the near future. With the amount of talented prospects, and newly acquired talent we can only hope. But with a five-year window from retirement to being eligible for the ballot, the wait could be a while. But we’re Cubs fans, it’s not like we can’t handle a few years, right?

Next: Hall of Fame adds four to its hallowed halls

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