Breaking down 2027 Hall of Fame case for this former Rangers' Gold Glover

Many Texas Rangers' fans remember Mitch Moreland dearly for his contributions to what might considered the hay days of the 2010s in Arlington. Nearly five years after his retirement, the first baseman will be eligible for the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2027.

Moreland, a former 17th-round pick by the Rangers in 2007, spent seven seasons in a Texas uniform. Through 773 games he hit .254 with 110 home runs, 354 RBIs, 219 doubles and 633 hits during his time in Texas.

Outside of Texas, he spent four seasons with the Red Sox, getting an All-Star nod and winning the 2018 World Series next to his other former Rangers' teammate Ian Kinsler and current Rangers' ace Nathan Eovaldi. He wrapped up his final two big league seasons with a year in Oakland and San Diego, hanging up the cleats in 2021 after 12 years.

Moreland's Hall of Fame case is non-existent but his Rangers' memories never fade

Moreland's case is practically non-existent but it doesn't mean he's contributions in 12 big league seasons were for not. Outside of his time in Texas, he was the primary All-Star first baseman during Boston's dominant 2018 title run.

In his seven seasons in Arlington, Moreland was the Rangers go-to first baseman during the 2010 and 2011 World Series seasons all the way through the back-to-back American League West titles in 2015 and 2016.

During four separate postseason runs for Texas, the Mississippi native hit .216 with three homers, 13 RBIs, 21 doubles and 21 hits in 33 games. Then during two playoff runs with Boston at age 31 and 32, Moreland hit .333 with a homer, five RBIs, 10 doubles and a .945 OPS in 15 games.

However, Moreland's career numbers fall well short of a Hall of Fame season with just 186 home runs and 618 RBIs. While he means a lot to Texas fans and the organization, his Hall of Fame candidacy is likely to only last one season before getting knocked off the ballot, like his former teammate Kinsler.