UPDATE: The highly anticipated Hall of Fame voting results from the Baseball Writers’ Association of America will be revealed today at 6 PM ET. Fans are on the edge of their seats as Carlos Beltran and Andruw Jones aim to secure their spots in the Class of 2026, following the election of Jeff Kent last December.
The stakes are high this year, with only Cole Hamels joining the ballot as a newcomer boasting over 50 career WAR. The 2026 ballot features 27 candidates with a combined 1,282 WAR, significantly lower than past years. Notably, the 2013 ballot had 37 candidates worth 1,672 WAR, yet none were elected.
This year’s results are crucial as a player needs to receive votes on 75% of ballots to be inducted and 5% to remain on the ballot. Writers may vote for a maximum of 10 players, and candidates can stay on the ballot for up to 10 years.
Last year, Beltran garnered 70.3% of the vote, while Jones secured 66.2% in their respective bids. Currently, Beltran is polling at an impressive 89.2% on publicly revealed ballots, with Jones close behind at 83.5%. However, polling does not guarantee success; both players experienced drops in their final vote percentages last year.
“It could be a nerve-wracking night for both candidates,” one sports analyst noted.
The urgency is palpable as voters have historically favored longevity over peak performance, which complicates the cases for both players. Center fielders are notably underrepresented in the Hall, with only four members since 1960—Willie Mays, Andre Dawson, Kirby Puckett, and Ken Griffey Jr.. This year’s ballot may change that narrative.
Chase Utley, another significant candidate, is seeing a boost in support, currently polling at 67.9% after receiving 39.8% last year. His case may also hinge on the evolving criteria for Hall of Fame induction, which could favor candidates with high peak values over career totals.
In his first year on the ballot, Cole Hamels—a 2008 World Series MVP—presents a compelling case with 57.9 career WAR, positioned similarly to CC Sabathia, who was elected on his first ballot. Meanwhile, former stars Andy Pettitte and Mark Buehrle are also in the mix, each having notable yet contrasting careers.
As the clock ticks down to the announcement, the baseball community holds its breath. Will Beltran and Jones make history tonight? The implications of this vote extend beyond personal accolades; they may redefine the standards for future Hall of Fame candidates.
Follow this developing story as we await the official announcement at 6 PM ET. The excitement and anticipation are building, and you won’t want to miss it!
