Choo, Encarnacion, Kemp on 2026 Reds Hall of Fame Ballot

The Baseball Hall of Fame ballot always sparks debate among fans and historians, and the 2026 edition brings a local twist for Cincinnati baseball followers. Three former Reds — Shin-Soo Choo, Edwin Encarnacion, and Matt Kemp — join a dozen first-time candidates, alongside 15 returning hopefuls.

Their time in Cincinnati varied from quick flashes to brief exits. Still, each left a mark on Major League Baseball in their own way.

This year’s ballot mixes nostalgia with some tough realities. All three face long odds in their quest for Cooperstown.

A Closer Look at the 2026 Hall of Fame Ballot

When the Hall of Fame ballot appears, fans scan for names that spark memories. The 2026 list does that for Reds supporters, but it also highlights how career dominance usually outweighs team loyalty in voting.

Twelve newcomers, including the trio of ex-Reds, join 15 veterans from previous ballots. The mix is interesting, if a little bittersweet.

Shin-Soo Choo: The Reds’ One-Year Wonder

Few players have made such an impact in just one season as Shin-Soo Choo did in 2013. The lefty outfielder hit .285, posted a .423 on-base percentage, and knocked 21 home runs.

He even finished 12th in National League MVP voting that year. Not bad for a one-year stint.

Choo’s career was more about steady production than dominance. Over 16 seasons, mostly with Cleveland and Texas, he hit 218 home runs and posted a 34.7 career WAR.

Getting on base was his specialty. Still, when it comes to Hall of Fame talk, some wonder if his consistent quality can outweigh the lack of a standout peak.

Matt Kemp: A Brief Stop in Cincinnati

Matt Kemp is remembered much more for his Dodgers years than his short time with the Reds. After a trade from Los Angeles in 2019, Kemp played just 20 games in Cincinnati, picking up 12 hits and a -1.0 WAR.

That brief stint was a footnote to a career that included All-Star nods and MVP-level seasons in L.A. There, he hit .292 with 203 home runs and twice finished in the top 10 for MVP voting.

Kemp brought power, speed, and defensive ability in his prime. Unfortunately, injuries and a drop in performance late in his career may keep him out of Cooperstown, despite his electric peak.

Edwin Encarnacion: From Cincinnati Beginnings to Toronto Stardom

Edwin Encarnacion debuted with the Reds in 2005 and slowly grew into a power threat. In five seasons with Cincinnati, he hit 71 home runs and put up a .793 OPS.

But Toronto is where Encarnacion really broke out, slugging 239 homers and driving in 679 runs from 2009 to 2016. He became known for clutch hits and steady power during the Blue Jays’ playoff years.

His stats stack up well against some past inductees. Still, without defensive awards or an MVP-level season, he may not get enough support from voters.

The Roadblocks to Cooperstown

Even with their achievements, Choo, Kemp, and Encarnacion face tough odds. Voters usually favor players with long stretches of dominance, big awards, or historic milestones.

This trio had strong careers, but each falls short somewhere on that list. It’s a tough crowd.

Leading Candidates for 2026 Induction

Among the returning names, Carlos Beltrán and Andruw Jones look like frontrunners. Beltrán’s speed, defense, and postseason heroics keep him in the conversation every year.

Jones, with his elite defense in center and home run power, has been inching closer to the voting threshold lately. Maybe this is finally his year?

Final Thoughts

For Reds fans, the 2026 ballot stirs up memories of all sorts of career paths. Choo’s one electric season, Kemp’s blink-and-you-missed-it stint, and Encarnacion’s rise after leaving Cincinnati—each guy brings a different flavor to the table.

Seeing their names pop up again always gets people talking. That’s the real magic of Hall of Fame season, isn’t it?

 
Here is the source article for this story: Three former Reds selected to the 2026 National Baseball Hall of Fame ballot