Which Future Hall of Famers Could Be Playing in the 2023 World Series?

Since the very first Fall Classic in 1903, nearly every World Series has included at least one future Hall of Famer.

The only World Series prior to 2015 that doesn't fit the bill – assuming Albert Pujols, Buster Posey and others get in, as expected – came in 2002, and Barry Bonds surely would have made it if not for his connection to steroids.

With the steroid era over, there won't be any asterisks attached to the showdown between the Texas Rangers and Arizona Diamondbacks in 2023. The two teams boast very different makeups, with the Rangers having the No. 4 payroll in baseball compared to the D-Backs' 21st-ranked payroll, but both teams could end up possessing Hall of Fame-worthy players when it's all said and done.

Here's a quick look at the future legends who will be suiting up in Arlington and Phoenix this week.

Hall of Fame Locks

RHP Max Scherzer, TEX

Scherzer could have retired two years ago and he still would have been a first-ballot Hall of Famer. The 39-year old has a pretty strong claim to being the greatest pitcher of the 2010s, making eight consecutive All-Star appearances while also winning three Cy Youngs.

With 214 wins, a 3.15 ERA, a 75.0 WAR and 3,367 strikeouts to his name, Scherzer could only boost his already-insane resume by winning a second World Series ring.

Possible Hall of Famers

3B Evan Longoria, ARI

Longoria was on pace to be a sure-fire Hall of Famer through his first few years with the Tampa Bay Rays. The veteran hasn't done much on this side of 30, though, which could ding his reputation among voters.

Still, the three-time All-Star, three-time Gold Glove winner and former Rookie of the Year has stuck around long enough to the point where he's on the verge of 2,000 hits, 350 home runs and a 60.0 WAR. If he can help the Diamondbacks win a World Series, then come back to hit some notable thresholds in 2024, Longoria might just revive his chance of reaching Cooperstown.

SS Corey Seager, TEX

One of the few players on this list who have already won a World Series, Seager has quite the impressive list of accomplishments for a 29-year-old middle infielder.

Seager has made four All-Star Games, won two Silver Sluggers and NL Rookie of the Year with the Rangers and Los Angeles Dodgers. He will probably end up with over 2,000 hits, 350 home runs and a 60.0 WAR if he plays out his current contract with the Rangers, which would put him right in the same ballpark as Longoria.

A second ring – and a few more All-Star appearances in his 30s – could set Seager apart, though. If he stays healthy, he'll certainly have a case when he calls it quits.

RP Aroldis Chapman, TEX

Hall of Fame voters are notoriously finicky when it comes to recognizing relief pitchers, which is something that will surely work against Chapman.

The Cuban southpaw has made seven All-Star Games, and his 321 career saves rank No. 21 all-time. In between his dominant stints with the Cincinnati Reds and New York Yankees, he won a World Series with the Chicago Cubs.

A second ring would really boost the flamethrower's odds, as would passing Huston Street and Fernando Rodney on the all-time saves list next year.

Too Soon to Tell

OF Corbin Carroll, ARI

Four years after the Diamondbacks scooped him up in the first round of the MLB Draft, Carroll is on the verge of winning NL Rookie of the Year and a World Series in the same season.

Carroll just turned 23 years old and he already has a 6.6 career WAR and an All-Star appearance. His 25 homers, 10 triples and 54 stolen bases this season set him apart as a true five-tool player in the modern game, and it's crazy to think he could only get better from here.

It's obviously way too early to label Carroll as a future Hall of Famer, but he certainly started off on the right foot this year.

3B Josh Jung, TEX

Jung was on pace to win AL Rookie of the Year before he suffered an injury in August, spoiling his breakout campaign.

Carroll's fellow first rounder from the 2019 draft class also made the All-Star Game in his first full season in the majors, blasting 23 home runs while demonstrating solid defense at third base.

Jung is nearly three years older than Carroll, though, and he isn't as much of a WAR monger. He more than likely won't string together a Hall of Fame career, but he has a long road ahead.

OF Evan Carter, TEX

If you thought it was too early to include Carroll and Jung in this category, then plug your ears on this one.

Carter is 21 years old, and he has played in just 23 regular season games. In those games, though, he hit .306 with a 1.058 OPS, and he kept it up when the playoffs began.

Carter's first postseason has been one of the most productive on record, reaching base safely in each of his 12 appearances this October. The No. 8 prospect in baseball has bordered on star status over the past few weeks, and he will surely be someone to keep an eye on for the next decade-plus.

Honorable Mentions: Marcus Semien, Adolis García, Ketel Marte, Jacob deGrom (injured)

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