Top 10 Biggest Hall of Fame Snubs in MLB History

June 4, 2026

The biggest MLB Hall of Fame snubs in MLB history. The top Hall of Fame snubs include legends like Sammy Sosa, Barry Bonds, Alex Rodriguez, more.

With the 2026 MLB season in full swing, it's time to look at the biggest Hall of Fame snubs in the game's history.

While some of these players may have been held out for circumstances, their talent on the field is worthy of consideration.

Who are the top remaining Hall of Fame snubs? Let's dive in!

Johan Santana, SP, Minnesota Twins

When looking at starting pitchers who have yet to reach the Hall of Fame, Johan Santana's name stands out. The southpaw spent the majority of his career with the Twins (eight years) before moving to Queens to end his career. As a Twin, Santana was one of the greatest pitchers in franchise history, taking home two Cy Young Awards (2004, 2006) and even leading the sport in innings pitched twice.

Santana also led the majors in strikeouts three times (in three consecutive years, 2004-2006) and led the sport in WAR in three seasons. However, given that the four-time All-Star only made 11 postseason starts to the tune of a 3.97 ERA and had a relatively short prime due to injuries, he has yet to have his name called.

Keith Hernandez, 1B, St. Louis Cardinals

Potentially the greatest defensive first baseman in the game's history will take the next spot on our list. Keith Hernandez may not have the most eye-catching offensive number, but his production with his glove is unmatched. Hernandez was awarded 11 Gold Gloves during his career and was a five-time All-Star.

In addition, he won the NL MVP during the 1979 campaign with the Cardinals when he led the sport with a .344 AVG and 48 2B. Overall, he sits with a .296/.384/.436 line and an .821 OPS. His lack of power (just 13 HRs per season) will likely continue to keep him out of Cooperstown.

Gentle reminder that Keith Hernandez has 11 Gold Gloves and did things that I haven't seen from any other first baseman in baseball history like field a bunt 10 feet from home plate on the third-base side of the mound to start a 3-5-4 double play pic.twitter.com/jnbkjeSyIZ

— Dylan Hornik (@_Hornik_) October 20, 2020

Joe Nathan, RP, Minnesota Twins

With Billy Wagner now in the Hall of Fame, the next reliever to likely join him will be Joe Nathan. Nathan spent just under half of his 16-year MLB career with the Twins before short stints with the Giants, Rangers, Tigers, and Cubs. Nathan would finish his career with 377 total saves, despite not being a true closer for the first two seasons as a major leaguer.

From 2004 through 2014, Nathan was one of the most dominant ninth-inning options in the sport, averaging 37.5 saves per season with a strong 2.38 ERA. However, his lower career WAR of 26.4 will likely be the primary reason voters leave him out.

"Shoeless" Joe Jackson, OF, Chicago White Sox

Unlike the first group of players on our list, Joe Jackson is the first one with controversy surrounding his induction into the Hall of Fame. "Shoeless" played a major role in the betting scandal surrounding the 1919 World Series. Jackson and other players on his team were accused of selling the games to benefit gamblers.

The outfielder was nothing short of dominant in his career, posting a .356/.423.517 line with a .940 OPS and 202 stolen bases. Last year, Jackson was removed from the permanent eligibility list, which could open the door to induction in the future.

Lou Whitaker, 2B, Detroit Tigers

The second baseman is one of the most underrated players in the sport's history. Whitaker spent his entire 19-year career with the Detroit Tigers and was named to five All-Star teams. Whitaker was a consistent player on both sides of the game, winning three Gold Gloves and four Silver Sluggers.

He was a part of the 1984 World Series team and was named Rookie of the Year in 1978. While he was very consistent, Whitaker never had a truly dominant campaign, which likely keeps him out of the Hall of Fame. From 1983 to 1987, Whitaker made the All-Star game in each season and held an overall .285 AVG with a .794 OPS.

David Cone, SP, New York Yankees

When looking at pitchers with accolades who do not sit in the Hall of Fame, David Cone may top the list. Cone spent most of his 17-year MLB career in New York, splitting time with the Yankees and Mets, and made brief stints with the Royals, Red Sox, and Blue Jays.

Cone was named to five All-Star teams and won an impressive World Series. He was also the 1994 AL Cy Young Winner with the Royals. During this season, Cone led the spot with a 6.9 WAR and held a 2.94 ERA. Cone also led the sport in strikeouts twice and finished his career with 2,668 punchouts.

Gary Sheffield, OF, Miami Marlins

Like many names on this list, the talent is not in question. However, his connection to performance-enhancing drugs has kept him out of Cooperstown. Gary Sheffield spent the longest part of his 22-year MLB career with the Marlins (six seasons). Through 22 MLB campaigns, Sheffield was an elite hitter, being named to nine All-Star teams and taking home five Silver Sluggers.

The 5-for-11 slugger won the batting title in the 1992 season with the Padres when he posted a .330 AVG. Overall, he finished his career with a .292/.393/.514 line and a .907 OPS. He averaged 32 long balls each season and hit at least 40 during two seasons.

Curt Schilling, SP, Philadelphia Phillies

While Curt Schilling's on-the-field performance has not kept him out of the Hall of Fame, his character has come into question among the voters. Schilling has been unable to secure the necessary votes because of his decisive statements on politics.

However, when looking only at his procurement as a baseball player, Schilling deserves a spot in the Hall of Fame. The right-hander was a three-time World Series Champion and an eight-time All-Star during his 20-year career. Schilling had his best showing in the 2001 postseason, where he was named World Series MVP. He finished his career with 80.5 WAR, 3,116 punchouts, and a 3.45 ERA.

Sammy Sosa, OF, Chicago Cubs

Another player that will likely continue to be held out of the Hall of Fame due to his connection with performance-enhancing drugs is outfielder Sammy Sosa. Sosa spent the vast majority of his 18-year career with the Cubs. As a Cub, Sosa was named to seven All-Star teams, won six Silver Sluggers, and was the 1998 MVP.

During that campaign, Sosa blasted a career-best 66 HRs. He ended his career averaging 42 long balls per season and holding an overall .273/.344/.534 line with an .878 OPS.

𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟔, 𝟐𝟎𝟎𝟏

Sammy Sosa hits his 63rd HR of the season, an inside-the-park home run!

LOOK AT MAN FLY 💨
pic.twitter.com/ufgvHaRDqU

— This Day in Chicago Sports (@ChiSportsDay) October 6, 2023

Mark McGwire, 1B, Oakland Athletics

The other first baseman on this list is Mark McGwire. Like Sosa, McGwire's connection to performance-enhancing drugs has prevented him from earning the necessary votes to reach Cooperstown. However, when on the field, McGwire was one of the greatest power hitters in the game's history.

During the 1998 campaign, McGwire launched 70 home runs, which led the sport. He finished his career with 12 All-Star Game appearances, three Silver Sluggers, and one Gold Glove. While he never won the MVP, McGwire finished in the top-5 in the voting during three seasons (1992, 1998, and 1999).

Alex Rodriguez, SS, New York Yankees

Following a similar trend, the next player to be spotlighted is infielder Alex Rodriguez. Rodriguez was also accused of using performance-enhancing drugs and was even hit with a suspension because of it. However, his talent as a baseball player was among the greatest in the game's history.

Through 22 MLB seasons, Rodriguez was named to 14 All-Star teams and was awarded an impressive 10 Silver Sluggers. He took home two Gold Gloves, a Batting Title, and was a three-time MVP. From 2001 through 2007, Rodriguez made a strong case to be viewed as the best player in the sport when he averaged 47 HRs per season with a .304/.400/.591 line and a 56.4 total WAR.

Pete Rose, OF, Cincinnati Reds

Pete Rose has been unable to secure a spot in the Hall of Fame after being banned from baseball for betting on games as a manager of the Reds. While this tarnished his legacy and will likely keep him out of Cooperstown, as a player, his skill set is well worthy of a spot in the Hall of Fame.

Rose played 19 of his 24 MLB seasons with the Reds. Through his time in the majors, Rose would finish with the most games played (3,526), and hits (4,256) in the game's history. He would also be named to 17 All-Star teams, win three World Series, two Gold Gloves, one Silver Slugger, and the 1973 MVP. He finished his career with a .303 AVG and a 1,566:1,143 BB:K.

Roger Clemens, SP, Boston Red Sox

Roger Clemens has been kept out of Cooperstown due to accusations of using performance-enhancing drugs. However, the case can be made that Clemens was the greatest pitcher in MLB history and rightfully deserves a spot in the Hall of Fame.

During his illustrious 24-year career, the right-hander won seven Cy Youngs, one MVP, two Triple Crowns, and was named to 11 All-Star teams. He was a two-time World Series Champion and won the ERA Title seven times. He finished his time in the majors boasting a 3.12 ERA, 1.173 WHIP, and 4,672 strikeouts across 4,1916 2/3 IP.

Barry Bonds, OF, San Francisco Giants

Rounding out this list will be outfielder Barry Bonds. As noted for the majority of players mentioned, Bonds has been kept out of the Hall of Fame due to his accusations regarding using performance-enhancing drugs during his time in the major leagues.

Looking at his production, Bonds not only makes the case to be the greatest hitter in MLB history but also the greatest player of all time. Throughout 22 MLB seasons, Bonds finished his career with 162.8 WAR, 762 HRs, and 688 IBB, which are all the highest marks in the game's history. Bonds was a seven-time MVP, 14-time All-Star, eight-time Gold Glove winner, 12-time Silver Slugger, and a two-time Batting Title winner.

18 years ago today, Barry Bonds hit No. 756 and became MLB's all-time home run leader. pic.twitter.com/A1D9ptw7hK

— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) August 7, 2025

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