Former A's Giambi, Chavez debut on HOF ballot

Before the dynamic corner infield duo of Matt Chapman and Matt Olson were powering the A’s to multiple postseason berths, there was another pair of infielders bashing their way to the hearts of the Oakland faithful. Now, those two are getting their first crack at baseball immortality.

Jason Giambi and Eric Chavez, two majors pieces from the successful A’s squads from the early 2000s, both made their debut appearance on the 2020 ballot for the National Baseball Hall of Fame, which was announced on Monday.

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Giambi captured the American League MVP Award with the A’s in 2000 and amassed 440 home runs, 2,010 hits and 1,441 RBIs over 20 big league seasons, eight of which he played in Oakland over two separate stints. The first baseman was a five-time All-Star and put together an impressive resume, though ties to performance-enhancing drugs may impact his overall chances.

Chavez was a defensive wizard at third base, collecting six straight Gold Glove Awards from 2001-06. He is perhaps one of the greatest players to have never made an All-Star team, going without an appearance despite also averaging 29 home runs and 96 RBIs per season over that six-year Gold Glove stretch. After crushing 212 home runs over his first nine years in the Majors, health became the third baseman’s toughest enemy, as nagging injuries often kept him off the field. Chavez finished with 260 home runs and 902 RBIs over 17 big league seasons.

Giambi and Chavez are among 32 players on this year’s ballot. Candidates must appear on 75 percent of submitted ballots to be selected for the Hall. Last year, 425 ballots were submitted, and players needed 319 for induction. Players are eligible for up to 10 years on the Baseball Writers’ Association of America ballot.

Results will be announced on Jan. 21 at 3 p.m. PT, live on MLB Network. The 2020 induction ceremony will be held on July 26 in Cooperstown.