Countdown to 3,000 hits: Who's next?

With Alex Rodriguez officially joining the 3,000-hit club, it's time to look ahead to see who the 30th member of that group will be.

As it stands, there's an ample amount of active players in the big leagues who are within striking distance of the milestone. Even more exciting is that another four players are likely to join the 3,000-hit club within the next five seasons.

Related: A-Rod homers to become 29th player in MLB history to reach 3,000 hits

Here's a tally of who's next in line for history:

Ichiro Suzuki

Age: 41
Hits (ABs): 2,886 (9,107)
Average hits per season: 192

The most frustrating part about Suzuki is that he shouldn't be on the verge of 3,000 hits. Instead, his name should be mentioned with Ty Cobb and Pete Rose.

Though he made his MLB debut at 27 years old, the Japanese veteran racked up 1,278 hits over nine seasons in the Nippon Professional Baseball League prior to joining the Seattle Mariners. Either way, Suzuki will forever be considered one of the greatest hitters of all time, and he'll likely celebrate this milestone soon. Prediction: 2016

Adrian Beltre

Age: 36
Hits (ABs): 2,657 (9,351)
Average hits per season: 148

When you think of Adrian Beltre, you think of home runs off one knee. But what the third baseman has done so well over his career is fly under the radar as player who racks up the hits.

Over the course of his career, Beltre has been an efficient workhorse in the middle of the order. Though he's into his 18th season in the bigs, he'll presumably slow down. But coming off three seasons in which he recorded 194, 199, and 178 hits, respectively, he's yet to give off any impression that he's mailing it in. Prediction: 2017

Albert Pujols

Age: 35
Hits (ABs): 2,585 (8,187)
Average hits per season: 172

Albert Pujols has been a legitimate threat at the plate ever since breaking into the league as a 21-year-old. Given that the slugger is signed through 2012, there's ample time for him to reach 3,000.

It'll also be interesting to watch him climb up the home run ladder alongside Detroit Tigers slugger Miguel Cabrera. On his illustrious resume, Pujols' injury-riddled 2013 season was the only down year, and he's expected to hit 3,000 in due time. Prediction: 2017

Miguel Cabrera

Age: 32
Hits (ABs): 2,266 (7,063)
Average hits per season: 174

Here we have arguably the best hitter of this generation. As we watch Miguel Cabrera graduate to 3,000 hits at some point in his career, there's also the conversation of his home run tally.

Over 13 seasons, Caberera could, realistically, make his way into the conversation atop some home run lists, all the while ascending the ladder of hit stardom. There's no indication Miggy will stop belting out hits and homers simultaneously, so baseball is in for a ride for the next decade. Prediction: 2019

Robinson Cano

Age: 32
Hits (ABs): 1,897 (6,187)
Average hits per season: 174

One of the game's most exciting players, Cano's early season slump with the Mariners is nothing to worry about.

Given what he's accomplished at his age, it's safe to say he'll reach 3,000 in his career. It's also worth noting that he's signed through 2023, giving him plenty of time to climb up to the milestone. Prediction: 2021