Milwaukee Brewers third baseman Aramis Ramirez has announced that this season, his 18th in the majors, will be his last. Ramirez, who will turn 37 in late June, has seen action in the majors with the Pirates, Cubs and Brewers.

Ramirez has been a three-time All-Star and finished in the Top 10 for league MVP in three seasons. He led the National League in doubles in 2012 and also topped the league in sacrifice flies twice (2002, 2003).

When a player with a long, distinguished MLB career decides to hang up his spikes, there is usually conversation about whether or not that player has the numbers and credentials to be considered for the Hall of Fame. So… is Aramis Ramirez a legitimate candidate for the Hall of Fame? Let’s take a look at some of his numbers in comparison to others in the Hall and those who played his position, third base.

Through the 2014 MLB season, Ramirez has 2,186 career hits, 369 HRs, 1,342 RBI, a career batting average of .285 and an OPS (on-base plus slugging percentage) of .840.

First let’s compare Ramirez stats to those 247 players already in the Hall of Fame.

* Ramirez home run numbers are probably the best in comparison to those in the Hall. His 369 homers would rank tied for 32nd of current Hall of Famers. His RBI total of 1,342 would rank 52nd and his OPS would rank 72nd. His power numbers are what has set Ramirez apart from other MLB players; he is one of only 72 players in MLB history to have 350 HRs and 1,300 RBI in their careers. Of those 72, 34 are currently in the Hall of Fame.

Next, let’s look at how Ramirez compares to the third basemen already in the Hall of Fame.

* There are 11 players currently in the Hall that played 50% or more of their games at third base: Pie Traynor, Mike Schmidt, Ron Santo, Brooks Robinson, Eddie Mathews, Freddie Lindstrom. George Kell, Jimmy Collins, George Brett, Wade Boggs and Home Run Baker. With 369 career homers, Ramirez would rank third on this list behind Mathews and Schmidt. His OPS would rank fifth as would his RBI total. His .285 batting average would be tied for seventh and his hits total would rank 8th.

Finally, let’s compare Ramirez to other third basemen not in the Hall of Fame.

* Again, Ramirez compares favorably when compared to others at his position. His 1,342 RBI is fourth on this list, and with just 43 RBI this season he would shoot up to second on the list behind Chipper Jones. His 2,186 hits currently ranks 9th on the list, but a season with at least 95 hits would put him in the fourth position. His HR total ranks 6th, but if he reaches 400 for his career he would vault into third position.

So what do you think? I think Ramirez has had a very good MLB career. I don’t, however, think it is Hall of Fame worthy. The Hall is for “great” players, not those who were “very good.” Ramirez will be remembered as a consistent, productive player who played 18 years in the majors.

That’s my opinion… based on the numbers!

Follow Jerry on Twitter @StatsonTapp