The case for Hall of Fame inclusion is strengthened by Buehrle’s durability and workload, as he repeatedly surpassed 200 innings and stands among elite workload leaders, suggesting era-adjusted evidence should count in his favor.

Pettitte is framed as a quintessential workhorse with career regular-season innings totaling 3,316, 256 wins, and strong playoff contributions, arguing that sustained performance over time supports Hall of Fame consideration even if his peak isn’t as dominant as some predecessors.

The argument calls for lowering the Hall of Fame standard for modern starting pitchers and applies this revised bar to returnees Mark Buehrle, Andy Pettitte, and Félix Hernández, while also situating Cole Hamels within a broader context.

Using JAWS, the piece places these pitchers in a spectrum of peak versus longevity, noting Hernández’s peak-era comparables like Sandy Koufax and Jacob deGrom to bolster reevaluation of standards.

The article stresses that contemporary pitching has shifted toward lower workloads, and voting criteria should reflect era differences rather than blindly applying old metrics like innings, wins, or WAR, which could favor later-era pitchers.

The author states a personal intent to vote for Félix Hernández this cycle, acknowledges prior reservations, advocates broader consideration for recent decades’ starters, and notes that Pettitte and Buehrle face tougher odds for Cooperstown.

Hernández is defended as a peak standout who, despite fewer career innings, delivered a dominant six-year run with a Cy Young, top finishes, ERA titles, and strong peak metrics, supporting the inclusion of peak achievement in Hall of Fame calculations.