Cole Hamels Headlines 12 Newcomers on Hall of Fame Ballot

The baseball world is gearing up for one of its most anticipated annual debates — the election of the next Baseball Hall of Fame inductees. The 2026 ballot is loaded with both new faces and returning contenders, sparking plenty of discussion among fans, players, and analysts.

Headlining the newcomers is former Philadelphia Phillies ace and 2008 World Series MVP Cole Hamels. His career achievements put him right at the top of this year’s class.

Alongside him are plenty of notable names whose careers blend impressive performance with complex legacies. Voters face another year of tough choices, and honestly, isn’t that what keeps things interesting?

Cole Hamels Leads New Crop of Hall of Fame Candidates

Cole Hamels retired in 2023 after a 15-year career that made him one of the most respected pitchers of his era. His numbers — a 163–122 record, 3.43 ERA, and an eye-catching 59.0 bWAR — immediately set him apart from the other first-time candidates.

No other newcomer really matches his mix of durability, performance, and historical impact. Hamels didn’t just pile up stats; he delivered on the biggest stage, earning the 2008 World Series MVP and cementing his place in Philadelphia sports lore.

Hamels isn’t the only former Phillie making a debut on the ballot. Howie Kendrick, Hunter Pence, and Gio González also enter the fray, each with their own unique career moments and contributions.

But when it comes to statistical dominance, Hamels holds the edge among this new group. His resume just stands out in a way that’s tough to ignore.

Other First-Time Names Worth Watching

The ballot also features several prominent players whose careers combine notable peaks with storylines that could sway voters in both directions:

• Ryan Braun – The 2011 NL MVP, career .296 hitter with 352 home runs, but twice suspended under MLB’s drug program.
• Matt Kemp – Known for his combination of power and speed, with a runner-up finish in the 2011 MVP race.
• Daniel Murphy – Infamous for his incredible 2015 postseason power surge with the Mets.
• Rick Porcello – 2016 AL Cy Young winner who logged more than a decade of innings as a dependable starter.
• Shin-Soo Choo – A consistent on-base threat who thrived in multiple MLB markets.
• Edwin Encarnación – One of the game’s most feared home run hitters during his peak years.
• Alex Gordon and Nick Markakis – Defensive standouts with lengthy careers marked by steady production.

Returning Candidates Bring Intrigue and Controversy

The holdover list is topped by Carlos Beltrán, who came within 19 votes of enshrinement last year, earning 70.3% support. His case is complicated by his role in the Houston Astros’ 2017 sign-stealing scandal — a blemish that cost him the opportunity to manage the New York Mets before ever taking the field in that role.

Yet his on-field credentials, including nearly two decades of excellence and postseason heroics, keep him squarely in the conversation. Some fans will always wonder if the off-field drama should matter as much as what he did between the lines.

Other Holdovers with Hall-Worthy Numbers

Behind Beltrán, several returning candidates will again test the voters’ capacity to separate performance from off-field controversy:

• Alex Rodriguez – Three-time MVP with 696 career home runs but tarnished by PED admissions.
• Manny Ramirez – One of the greatest right-handed hitters ever, also linked to PED suspensions.
• Andruw Jones – Considered one of the best defensive center fielders in history.
• Chase Utley – Beloved Phillies icon known for consistency and grit.
• Andy Pettitte – 256 career wins and a major postseason resume.
• Jimmy Rollins – 2007 NL MVP and cornerstone of the Phillies’ championship core.

The Road to Election Day

Members of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America (BBWAA) with at least ten years of service will handle the voting. They need to submit their ballots by Dec. 31.

The results are set to come out on Jan. 20. Inductees will get their moment in the spotlight on July 26, joining anyone picked by the Contemporary Baseball Era Committee on Dec. 7.

This 2026 Hall of Fame ballot? It’s a wild mix—statistical beasts, playoff icons, even a few divisive names. There’s already plenty of chatter: Can Cole Hamels really make it in on his first try?

Does Beltrán finally get the nod? And what on earth will voters do with those players whose careers come with baggage?

 
Here is the source article for this story: Cole Hamels, the 2008 World Series MVP, headlines 12 newcomers on Baseball Hall of Fame ballot