The Baseball Writers' Association of America unveiled its 2026 Hall of Fame ballot on Monday, featuring 15 returning players and 12 newcomers. Carlos Beltrán and Andruw Jones lead the returnees with strong support from last year, while Cole Hamels headlines the first-timers. Results will be announced on January 20, 2026.
The 2026 BBWAA Hall of Fame ballot includes 27 players eligible for induction into Cooperstown. Voters must submit ballots by December 31, with announcements set for January 20, 2026, on MLB Network. Induction for the Class of 2026 is scheduled for July 26 in Cooperstown, New York.
Carlos Beltrán enters his fourth year on the ballot after receiving 70.3% of the vote in 2025, up from 57.1% in 2024 and 46.5% in 2023. His career highlights include 435 home runs, 312 stolen bases, nine All-Star selections, three Gold Gloves, and a 1999 AL Rookie of the Year Award. Despite involvement in the 2017 Astros sign-stealing scandal, Beltrán's support has risen steadily.
Andruw Jones, in his eighth year, garnered 66.2% last year, increasing from 61.6% in 2024. The 10-time Gold Glove center fielder hit 434 home runs and debuted with 7.3% in 2018 before surging to his current level.
Among newcomers, Cole Hamels leads with 59.0 WAR over 15 seasons. The left-hander posted a 163-122 record, 3.43 ERA, and 2,560 strikeouts. He earned NLCS and World Series MVP honors in 2008, helping the Phillies win their first title since 1980, and threw a no-hitter in 2015.
Ryan Braun, with 47.2 WAR, was the 2011 NL MVP and 2007 Rookie of the Year, hitting 352 home runs for the Brewers. However, a 2013 PED suspension may impact his chances. Other first-timers include Alex Gordon (34.9 WAR, eight Gold Gloves), Shin-Soo Choo (34.7 WAR), and Edwin Encarnación (35.3 WAR, 424 home runs).
Chase Utley rose to 39.8% in his second year, Andy Pettitte jumped to 27.9% in his seventh, and Félix Hernández debuted at 20.6%. Manny Ramírez, in his final year, received 34.3% despite 555 home runs and two World Series titles, hindered by PED violations.
The Contemporary Era Committee will vote on December 7 for players like Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens.
