Most HRs by a 2B: Jeff Kent’s Record-Setting Power Earns HOF Spot

Baseball's Winter Meetings have officially kicked off, which means the Baseball Hall of Fame has announced the newest members of the Hall to get in via Veterans Committee. This year, only one player got enough votes for induction - former Houston Astro (and current Texas resident) Jeff Kent.

Former Houston Astro Jeff Kent Makes Hall of Fame

Jeff Kent, who holds the record for most home runs by a second baseman, was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame on Sunday. Kent was named on 14 out of 16 ballots. Just as noteworthy as it is that Kent made the Hall of Fame, is that he beat out players like Dale Murphy, Roger Clemens, Gary Sheffield, Barry Bonds, and Don Mattingly to make the Hall.

While Clemens & Bonds have been controversial choices for the Hall of Fame due to their association with PEDs, many thought this was going to be the year former league MVPs and beloved players Mattingly and Murphy were going to get in. However, both fell well short of the required votes - only receiving 6 votes each.

Jeff Kent's Hall of Fame Case

Jeff Kent has always been considered a 'bubble' contender for the Hall of Fame. He's a former league MVP, a 5x All-Star, and a 4x Silver Slugger award winner. He also has the most home runs ever by a second baseman with 351 (and 377 total).

According to 2 out of the 3 Hall of Fame predictors, Kent is a Hall of famer. He falls short on the 'Grey Ink' test - where he scores a 71 while the average HOFer scores a 144. But according to the Hall of Fame Monitor & Hall of Fame Standard - he's a Hall of Famer...but just barely. According to the Monitor, a likely HOFer's score is 100, Kent scored 123. According to the Standards, an average HOFer scores 50, Kent scores 51.

That's a pretty solid case and resume for a Hall of Fame Baseball player. However, Kent had a few issues that kept him out the Hall during his 10 years of HOF eligibility.

What Kept Jeff Kent Out of the HOF So Long?

There were several issues that have kept Jeff Kent out of the Hall of Fame. Personality and lack of defensive skill definitely played a role in keeping him out of the Hall of Fame until this point.

Much like Albert Belle, Jeff Kent wasn't very likeable during his playing career and has been described as "a locker room cancer". Now, personally, I don't think that SHOULD exclude someone from being a Hall of Famer...but it definitely does play a factor. The other thing - there's always been some unsubstantiated rumors and questions about  possible PED use.

To my knowledge, there's never been any evidence of PED use by Kent and he's been pretty vocal in his support for HGH testing in baseball. However, he shared a locker room with Barry Bonds and other alleged PED users...which just so happened to coincide with his best career years. Again, not saying he ever was a user. But the question and shadow has always loomed over his peak years.

Again, not that I think unsubstantiated rumors should keep a guy out of the Hall of Fame...rumors and hearsay have kept numerous players out of the Hall already. So, it's definitely a factor, whether it should be or not.

However, regardless of his past, likeability, or lack of defensive ability, Jeff Kent the all-time home run leader for 2nd basemen can call himself a Hall of Famer.