Major League Baseball

Is Kinsler a future Hall of Famer?

Published Jun. 27, 2013 1:00 a.m. ET

share

facebookxredditlink

foxsports

When it comes to five-tool players, Texas' Ian Kinsler is one the best in the game today.

Kinsler recorded two 30-30 campaigns in his seven-plus year career, hitting at least 30 homers and stealing at least 30 bases in the same season. The Tucson, Ariz., native did it in 2009 (31 HRs, 31 SBs) and 2011 (32 HRs, 30 SBs), joining Brandon Phillips and Alfonso Soriano as the only second basemen in the 30-30 club.

Kinsler and Soriano are also the only Rangers to accomplish the feat. Soriano did it four times, but only once for Texas — he did it twice for the New York Yankees and once, a 40-40 season, for the Washington Nationals.

Plus, they are among a group of 13 who have recorded multi 30-30 seasons. Barry Bonds and his father Bobby Bonds lead the party with five apiece.

But back to Kinsler.

The three-time All-Star, who debuted on Opening Day in 2006, hit .286 with 14 homers, 55 RBI and 11 stolen bases during 120 games in his rookie campaign. He made his first All-Star appearance in 2008.

Now in his eighth season — all with the Rangers — Kinsler owns a .273 career batting average with 150 homers, 494 RBI and 161 stolen bases (through June 25).

His 161 swipes are the most in Texas Rangers' history. Plus, he also leads the franchise in stolen-base percentage at 82.5 (161 of 195 attempts).

Also on Texas' career leaderboards, Kinsler ranks fifth in runs (693), seventh in doubles (229) and ninth in total bases (1,775).

While Kinsler has been one of the top second basemen in the majors the past few years, he still has a way to go before Hall of Fame comparisons can begin. However, just turning 31 on June 22, he could play another seven, eight ... 10 years, and who knows what kind of final statistics he'll produce.

Will they be good enough for Cooperstown? Only time will tell.

Watch the above video to hear his case.

share

Get more from Major League Baseball Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more

in this topic

Major League Baseball