Baseball is a game that is steeped in tradition, and the milestone of 3000 hits is one of the most revered achievements in the sport. It is a sign of longevity and consistency that is rarely achieved. Currently, there are only 28 players in the history of Major League Baseball (MLB) who have achieved 3000 hits. Of these 28 players, only four are active and still playing in the major leagues. As of the 2020 season, the MLB player who is closest to reaching the 3000 hit milestone is Los Angeles Dodgers’ infielder Justin Turner.
Justin Turner’s Career
Justin Turner was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the seventh round of the 2006 MLB Draft. He made his MLB debut with the Reds in 2009 and went on to play for the Baltimore Orioles and New York Mets before signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2014. Turner has since become a cornerstone for the Dodgers and is a three-time All-Star, a two-time Silver Slugger, and a World Series champion in 2020.
Turner’s Stats
Turner currently has a career batting average of .291 and an impressive .846 On-base plus Slugging (OPS). He has hit 228 home runs, 817 RBIs, and 474 doubles in his career, and he also leads all active players with a career OPS of .886. In terms of hits, Turner has accumulated 2,621 hits over his 13-year career. That puts him just 379 hits away from reaching the 3000 hit milestone.
Chase for 3000 Hits
At the age of 35, Turner is in the prime of his career and is the closest active player to reaching 3000 hits. He is also the only active player who is within 500 hits of the milestone. The other players closest to 3000 hits are Albert Pujols with 2812 hits and Miguel Cabrera with 2731 hits. Both players are older than Turner and are not likely to reach the milestone in the near future.
How Many Hits Can Turner Get in 2021?
Turner is projected to have a solid 2021 season and is expected to reach the 3000 hit milestone. He is projected to get around 180 hits in 2021 if he plays in the full 162-game season, which would put him at 2801 hits entering the 2022 season. Turner is an incredibly consistent hitter and has shown no signs of slowing down. If he continues to hit at his career average and stays healthy, he should reach 3000 hits by the end of the 2022 season.
Conclusion
Justin Turner is the closest active player to 3000 hits and is on track to reach the milestone in the near future. His consistent hitting and longevity have put him in an elite category of players who have reached the 3000 hit milestone. It will be a historic moment for Turner and a proud milestone for the Los Angeles Dodgers.