Albert Pujols and 5 Players Who Could Join MLB's 3,000-Hit Club

Despite having arguably the worst season of his long career, Derek Jeter will join a very exclusive club this year. With 57 hits on the year so far, Jeter will soon become the 28th member of the 3,000-hit club.

It takes remarkable skill and longevity to be able to achieve the honor of being in such a club. Some of the best baseball players of all time have 3,000 hits, such as Pete Rose (over 4,000 hits), Hank Aaron, Willie Mays and Roberto Clemente.

The following is a list of people who, if they continue on their current paths, could one day join the 3.000-hit club.

Alex Rodriguez

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OAKLAND, CA - MAY 31: Alex Rodriguez #13 of the New York Yankees hits a two run single in the sixth inning against the Oakland Athletics at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on May 31, 2011 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Despite everyone being more focused on A-Rod one day breaking the home run record, A-Rod could also join another elite club.

Alex Rodriguez, one of the best hitters in the history of the game, will, barring any major injury, have at least 3,000 hits at the end of his career.

If he continues his pace of 188 hits a season, he could reach 3,000 in just a couple of years.

Ivan Rodriguez

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NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 08: Ivan Rodriguez #7 of the Washington Nationals bats against the New York Mets during the Mets' Home Opener at Citi Field on April 8, 2011 in the Flushing neighborhood of Queens in New York City. The Nationals won 6-2. (Photo by A

Ivan Rodriguez is one of the best catchers of all time. He has won numerous awards in his lifetime, including 13 Gold Glove awards. He also has an MVP award to his name.

Despite being best known for his fielding, Rodriguez was a great hitter in his prime. He currently stands just 166 hits away from achieving 3,000 hits. 

If Rodriguez stays in the league for another year or two, he could join the 3,000-hit club. He has averaged around 100 hits in his last few seasons, so if he sticks around, he will get it.

Ichiro Suzuki

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KANSAS CITY, MO - APRIL 17: Ichiro Suzuki #51 of the Seattle Mariners bats during the game against the Kansas City Royals on April 17, 2011 at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

I'm talking Major League Baseball career, that is. Ichiro has well over 3,000 hits in his combined MLB and NPB career.

Currently Ichiro has 2,305 hits. He needs 695 more hits to get to 3,000. Despite being in his age 37 season, Ichiro could very well get to 3,000. He averages about 210 hits a season, and while some think he is currently declining, he may just very well be in a long slump.

If Ichiro stays in the majors for a few more years, he could easily get to the 3,000-hit plateau.

Albert Pujols

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ST. LOUIS, MO - MAY 31: Albert Pujols #5 of the St. Louis Cardinals hits an RBI double against the San Francisco Giants at Busch Stadium on May 31, 2011 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

The best overall player in the game right now has a very good chance of getting 3,000 hits. Pujols is currently slumping, but let's not forget the numbers this man has put up in the past 10 or so years.

Pujols is in line for a record-breaking, monster contract coming up this offseason, which will include enough years for him to one day get to 3,000 hits.

Pujols averages about 197 hits a season, and with almost 2,000 hits in his career, he could hit No. 3,000 in less than six full seasons.

Adrian Beltre

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - MAY 22: Adrian Beltre #29 of the Texas Rangers bats against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on May 22, 2011 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Rangers won 2-0. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

Currently in the first year of the six-year mega deal he signed in the offseason, Beltre could reach 3,000 by the end of his contract.

With almost 2,000 hits in his career, Beltre could reach 3,000 hits if he continues his pace of around 170 hits a year.

Honorable Mentions

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NEW YORK, NY - MAY 14: Robinson Cano #24 of the New York Yankees bats against the Boston Red Sox on May 14, 2011 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Some players who have a realistic chance of joining the 3,000-hit club:

Bobby Abreu

Omar Vizquel

Chipper Jones

Vladimir Guerrero

Johnny Damon

Robinson Cano: Is just 28 and should have around 1,500 by his age 30 season.

Troy Tulowitzki: One of the best all-around players in the game, and he is still very young.

Miguel Cabrera

Hanley Ramirez