The upcoming season should be a banner one for milestones, as Ichiro, A-Rod, K-Rod and a quartet of pitchers take aim at some magic hits, home runs, saves and strikeouts. Here's a look at the players who are closest to some historic achievements.
1. Ichiro Suzuki: 3,000 hits, 4,257 hits
Though Ichiro isn't the hitter he once was, he should reach a couple of highly notable numbers in 2016. He needs 65 hits to become the 30th member of the 3,000-hit club. On the way to that number, he'd record his 44th hit, which would give him 4,257 when combining his major league and Japanese numbers -- one more than MLB hit king Pete Rose.
2. Alex Rodriguez: 700 home runs, 715 home runs
Alex Rodriguez put history back in play by hitting 33 home runs in an impressive comeback last season from a yearlong suspension. He needs 13 home runs to become the fourth player with 700 in his career. If he hits 28, he'll pass fellow Yankee Babe Ruth and move into third place on the all-time home run list.
3. Francisco Rodriguez: 400 saves
The 400-save club is a small one, with only five members. The Tigers' newest closer, Francisco Rodriguez, needs 14 saves to bring that group to six. Armed with a changeup that ranks as one of the best pitches in baseball, Rodriguez averaged 41 saves the past two seasons with the Brewers and, at age 34, could even have 500 saves in his sights. That particular club has just two members: Mariano Rivera (652) and Trevor Hoffman (601).
4. Justin Verlander/Cole Hamels/Zack Greinke/Clayton Kershaw: 2,000 strikeouts
While 3,000 strikeouts is out of reach for any active pitcher this season, several are closing in on the 2,000-strikeout mark. Tigers starter Justin Verlander needs 57 strikeouts. Rangers ace Cole Hamels needs 78 whiffs. Diamondbacks starter Zack Greinke would get there with 113 strikeouts. Clayton Kershaw likely won't reach it until season's end. He's 254 shy.
5. Mark Teixeira and Carlos Beltran: 400 home runs
Mark Teixeira and Carlos Beltran should be the next two names to join the 53-member 400-home run club. Teixeira is just six home runs away, while Beltran is eight taters shy. They'll also increase the number of switch-hitters with 400 home runs from three to five. The current membership is Mickey Mantle, Eddie Murray and Chipper Jones.