Baseball Hall of Fame 2026 Ballot: First-Timers and Holdovers Listed

The Baseball Hall of Fame just dropped its ballot for the Class of 2026, and honestly, it’s shaping up to be one of the more unpredictable votes we’ve seen in a while. There are 13 returning candidates and 12 first-time nominees, which means voters have a lot to weigh—stats, stories, and all the baggage that comes with both.

Over 400 members of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America will cast their votes. We’ll find out who made the cut live on MLB Network on January 20, 2026.

This year’s list has it all—big names, polarizing figures, and guys who had those unforgettable moments. It’s a real test of what Cooperstown stands for these days.

The Big Names on the 2026 Ballot

Every Hall of Fame ballot has a few names that jump out, and 2026 isn’t any different. Ryan Braun leads the pack among first-timers, though his story comes with some extra layers.

Braun spent 14 years with the Brewers, racking up an MVP and plenty of All-Star nods. Still, his PED suspension hangs over his legacy and will definitely be on voters’ minds.

Veteran Star Power Returns

Some familiar faces are back, too. Carlos Beltrán and Andruw Jones came close last year, pulling 70.3% and 66.2% of the vote.

Beltrán, now on his fourth try, did a bit of everything well. Jones, meanwhile, still gets called one of the best defensive center fielders ever. Both look like they could get even more support this time.

First-Time Nominees Making Their Case

Among the newcomers, there’s a pretty interesting mix of resumes and stories. Besides Braun, here’s who else is making their debut:

• Matt Kemp – Three-time All-Star, 2011 MVP runner-up, with a wild combo of power and speed.
• Cole Hamels – 2008 World Series MVP, 163 wins, and a knack for shining in October.
• Howie Kendrick, Daniel Murphy, and Gio Gonzalez – These ex-Nationals played big roles in some deep playoff runs.
• Rick Porcello – Won the 2016 AL Cy Young and delivered steady results for years.
• Edwin Encarnación – Famous for his late-career power and that “Edwing” home run celebration.
• Alex Gordon – Gold Glove machine in left field for the Royals.
• Shin-Soo Choo, Nick Markakis, and Hunter Pence – Fan favorites who brought leadership and consistency.

Challenges for the Newcomers

Cracking the Hall of Fame on the first ballot? That’s a tall order. Sure, these players have some big highlights, but most don’t quite hit the stats that usually guarantee instant entry.

For a lot of them, it’ll come down to whether voters value their peaks, playoff heroics, or those moments that just stuck with fans.

The PED Factor Returns

Once again, voters have to wrestle with the PED question. Alongside Braun, guys like Alex Rodriguez and Manny Ramirez are back on the ballot with numbers that scream Hall of Fame, but their PED ties have always been a roadblock.

Will opinions shift this year? Hard to say, but it’s definitely something to keep an eye on.

Pitchers with Strong Cases

It’s not just Hamels in the mix for pitchers. Andy Pettitte and Gio Gonzalez are hoping for a boost too.

Pettitte’s postseason résumé—five rings, tons of clutch outings—gives him an edge, even if his regular season numbers aren’t quite Hall of Fame locks. Gonzalez had some great years with Washington and Oakland, and his career longevity might help his cause.

Looking Ahead to the January Announcement

With recent inductees like Ichiro Suzuki, CC Sabathia, and Billy Wagner already in, this year’s class feels like a real crossroads. There’s a blend of stats, stories, and, yeah, some drama.

Which way will the voters go? Will they lean on long-term greatness, those unforgettable peaks, or maybe just gut feeling? Guess we’ll find out soon enough.

Potential Trends to Watch

The slow but steady climb of Beltrán and Jones says a lot. Sustained momentum really can push worthy candidates over the top.

If either one crosses that 75% threshold, it might signal a shift toward rewarding defense, not just offense. Maybe that even opens the door for others, like Chase Utley—arguably one of the most complete second basemen of his generation—to make a leap in future ballots.

In just a few months, everyone will be glued to MLB Network for the Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026 reveal. Will voters take bold steps this time, or will Cooperstown’s gates stay closed for another year to some of baseball’s most debated stars?

With this mix of talent, controversy, and history, the conversation’s bound to be as captivating as the game itself. I mean, isn’t that what keeps us coming back?

 
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