Corey Kluber: A Hall of Fame Case Built on Dominance
A few weeks ago, the Baseball Writers Association of America inducted center fielders Carlos Beltran and Andruw Jones into the National Baseball Hall of Fame, with Jeff Kent elected via a veterans committee. While Cleveland fans might still feel the sting of Kenny Lofton’s brief appearance on the ballot in 2013, there’s another former Cleveland star who deserves a closer look: Corey Kluber.
The Five-Year Peak
Why focus on Kluber’s five-year peak? It’s becoming increasingly important when evaluating Hall of Fame credentials, especially for players like David Wright, Felix Hernández, and Dustin Pedroia, who shone brightly before injuries took their toll. The Hall seems to be shifting towards recognizing peak dominance, especially for multi-time Cy Young winners and MVP candidates.
For Kluber, his peak from 2014 to 2018 is undeniable. He won the Cy Young twice, finished in the Top 3 twice more, and had a ninth-place finish in 2015. During his standout seasons in 2014 and 2017, and his strong 2016 performance, he also garnered MVP votes.
The Numbers
Over this five-year span, Kluber posted an impressive 31.9 bWAR, with four seasons of 18 or more victories. Although he only won nine games in 2015, he led the league with four complete games that year. In Cleveland, he notched 17 complete games, including three shutouts across 2014 and 2015, and led the league in shutouts in 2017 and 2018.
Kluber’s strikeout prowess was remarkable, averaging 222 or more strikeouts per year, peaking at 269 in 2014 over 235 2/3 innings. He consistently pitched over 200 innings each year, with a low of 203 2/3 in 2017.
During this period, Kluber outpaced Justin Verlander by nearly 8 bWAR, dominating other Cy Young winners like Hernández, Rick Porcello, and Dallas Keuchel.
Recent History
Here’s where the debate heats up. Only Logan Webb has managed 200 innings or more in the last three consecutive seasons. Comparing those with Kluber’s third-worst total of 215 innings in 2016 and 2018 shows how his peak would still be among today’s best.
Kluber’s innings from 2014-16 and 2018 would have topped the majors in 2021, 2024, and 2025, just a hair behind Webb’s 2023 total of 216. In terms of complete games, only Sandy Alcantara surpassed three in a season over the past five years.
Even today, Kluber’s prime performance would shine. However, his overall résumé might seem a bit light, despite an ERA title, three All-Star selections, and a no-hitter with the Yankees.
Looking Ahead
As we approach 2026, milestones like 300 wins and 3,000 strikeouts are becoming rare feats. Kluber’s earliest chance for Hall of Fame consideration is the 2029 ballot, which will likely feature Miguel Cabrera, Zack Greinke, Joey Votto, and Adam Wainwright.
How will voters respond? Kluber’s peak is unique, meriting serious consideration. The debate is now in your hands, and it promises to be a lively one among baseball fans.