Which LA Angels Will Join Vladdy in HoF?

The LA Angels will see their first member inducted into the MLB Hall of Fame this weekend. Vladimir Guerrero is the perfect first member, but who will be the next to join him?

The LA Angels have been scorned from the Hall of Fame for years. Nolan Ryan and Rod Carew each went in with other teams, but the Halos have finally been immortalized. But who is next up for the Halos?

Honorable Mention: Mike Scioscia

Mike Scioscia is currently 18th on the all-time managerial wins list. He has been a fan favorite since taking over in 2000 and taking the team to their sole World Series in 2002. He’s ran off six AL West pennants in his time in Anaheim, tied with Oakland for the most in that stretch. He is the second longest tenured active manager in any USA primary sports (MLB, NBA, NHL, NFL), behind only Spurs legend Gregg Popovich.

On the Ballot

Vernon Wells

Ah, yes. The name every Halo fan loves to hear. Wells will be eligible for the Hall of Fame for the first time in 2019, but it may be his only year on the ballot. He had himself a nice career, so it would not be shocking to see him on the ballot for years to come. However, even on the off-chance he is inducted, he would likely go into the HoF as a Toronto Blue Jay, where he spent the first 11 years of his career.

Darren Oliver

Another guy who had a short stint in Anaheim, Oliver played for nine teams over his MLB career. He owned a 3.10 ERA in three years with the Angels, but will likely only see one year on the ballot. He is the epitome of a good-not-great ballplayer, and we love him for it.

Retired

John Lackey

John Lackey will always hold a special place in Angels fans hearts. From his clutch World Series Game 7 start to his fiery attitude on the mound, Lackey showed every batter he faced that he was to be feared. He did play for three other teams in his 15 year career, but won a World Series with the Angels and spent the majority of his career in Anaheim.

Bobby Abreu

Abreu was another guy who always put a smile on the faces of fans. In his three full seasons i Anaheim, he hit .267 with 100 doubles and 47 home runs. He is not likely to find himself in the Hall, but if he does, he’ll likely go in with the Philadelphia Phillies, where he spent 10 1/2 seasons.

Torii Hunter

If Torii Hunter is inducted, he would in all likelihood go in as a Minnesota Twin. However, he’d be the perfect addition to Vladimir Guerrero as they were both exuberant personalities with unique games and bright smiles. He had five great seasons in Anaheim, but he will go down as one of the best Twins of all-time.

Dan Haren

Dan Haren had 2 1/2 solid seasons with the Halos, and finished his career with a nice 3.75 ERA and 2013 strikeouts. While he did finish seventh in Cy Young voting with the Angels, he was a two-time All Star and Top-5 in Cy Young voting with the Arizona Diamondbacks. He also spent four great years in Oakland, but Anaheim would be a dark horse for his choice of cap should he make the Hall of Fame.

Mark Teixeira

One of the best switch-hitters of all time, but he’ll go in as a Yankee. However, he is the reason the Angels have Mike Trout, so who cares?

Francisco Rodriguez

K-Rod started his career with seven phenomenal years with the Angels. He finished Top-5 in Cy Young voting three times with the Halos while also going to three All Star games and set the MLB record for saves with a season with 62 in 2008. While he played another nine years, he had his best years in Anaheim, and spent the most amount of time with them. A World Series ring helps their case as well.

Active Players

Albert Pujols

The Machine has become known for his lucrative contract, steroid accusations, and questions about his age. However, he just passed Ken Griffey Jr. for sole possession of the sixth spot on the all-time home run list. He had his best years in St. Louis, including three MVP’s and two World Series championships. However, they spurned him in free agency, and he’s breaking countless records with the Angels while moving up all-time lists at an alarming pace.

Mike Trout

Mike Trout is already a Hall of Famer. He is quite possibly the best position player of all-time, and he turns 27 this year. The only question to whether or not Mike Trout dons the Halos cap into the Hall of Fame is his impending free agency. He and Anaheim are a perfect fit, but will the lack of postseason berths catch up to the Halos during Trout’s 2020 free agency?