[Giants]

As has been documented numerous times over the years, the Hall is tough on catchers.  Which raises the inevitable question in this part of the country - has Buster done enough to warrant HOF consideration or does he need another ring to solidify his  candidacy?

I don't think another ring moves the needle since 1) BBHOF voters don't put much weight on championships the way that PFHOF voters do, 2) the difference between three rings and four isn't substantial.

For me Posey is absolutely a hall of famer since I value quality over quantity, but there is a substantial voting bloc that overvalues longevity and prioritizes cumulative numbers. Right now Posey has under 1,500 career hits, around 700 runs and RBI each and probably needs to stay healthy for at least another 2-3 years to beef up his case with voters who fixate on career numbers and arbitrary milestones.

BTW Gene Tenace won four rings (and was a World Series MVP) and posted a career OPS+ of 136 in 5,527 plate appearances (Posey's OPS+ is 127 in 5,471 plate appearances thus far). Tenace also has a higher career WAR and WAA for those that are so inclined. I'm not arguing that Tenace was a better player than Posey (Posey better IMO) but I'm illustrating that Posey probably needs to add to his case in the next few years to ensure being voted in by the writers.

If a player is a borderline HOFer, the rings can push him over the top. I think Posey is at that point - numbers say, “I’m not so sure” but rings, intangibles, especially his leadership skills*, defensive ability (particularly pitch framing) say yes. This season has certainly put him put on the short list of guys who will be under serious consideration.  

* More than once, I have read about him being a “National League Jeter”.  That kind of praise means a lot….

[Giants]

As has been documented numerous times over the years, the Hall is tough on catchers.  Which raises the inevitable question in this part of the country - has Buster done enough to warrant HOF consideration or does he need another ring to solidify his  candidacy?

I don't think another ring moves the needle since 1) BBHOF voters don't put much weight on championships the way that PFHOF voters do, 2) the difference between three rings and four isn't substantial.

For me Posey is absolutely a hall of famer since I value quality over quantity, but there is a substantial voting bloc that overvalues longevity and prioritizes cumulative numbers. Right now Posey has under 1,500 career hits, around 700 runs and RBI each and probably needs to stay healthy for at least another 2-3 years to beef up his case with voters who fixate on career numbers and arbitrary milestones.

BTW Gene Tenace won four rings (and was a World Series MVP) and posted a career OPS+ of 136 in 5,527 plate appearances (Posey's OPS+ is 127 in 5,471 plate appearances thus far). Tenace also has a higher career WAR and WAA for those that are so inclined. I'm not arguing that Tenace was a better player than Posey (Posey better IMO) but I'm illustrating that Posey probably needs to add to his case in the next few years to ensure being voted in by the writers.

If a player is a borderline HOFer, the rings can push him over the top. I think Posey is at that point - numbers say, “I’m not so sure” but rings, intangibles, especially his leadership skills*, defensive ability (particularly pitch framing) say yes. This season has certainly put him put on the short list of guys who will be under serious consideration.  

* More than once, I have read about him being a “National League Jeter”.  That kind of praise means a lot….