Rick Porcello, Dustin Pedroia Highlight 12 Newcomers on Hall Ballot

The Baseball Hall of Fame ballot just dropped for this year, and honestly, it’s a wild mix. You’ve got newcomers and some old legends, all hoping to land a spot among baseball’s immortals.

Rick Porcello leads the fresh faces. He’s the former Boston Red Sox ace who snagged the 2016 American League Cy Young Award and played a big part in the team’s 2018 World Series win.

Porcello isn’t alone. Several first-time candidates are joining him, while names like Carlos Beltrán and Andruw Jones keep pushing for that elusive induction.

It’s shaping up to be a winter full of debate as baseball writers get ready to cast their votes before the end-of-year cutoff.

Rick Porcello Headlines First-Time Hall of Fame Nominees

Porcello’s spot on the ballot matters for more than just his awards. In 2016, he posted a wild 22-4 record with a 3.15 ERA, edging out Justin Verlander for the Cy Young Award in a tight race.

Two years later, Porcello came through again when it counted, pitching in five postseason games and helping the Red Sox lock down their ninth World Series title.

Other Noteworthy Newcomers to Watch

The ballot’s stacked with talent among the newcomers. Alongside Porcello, here are some first-year names who made their mark:

• Ryan Braun – 2011 National League MVP and six-time All-Star.
• Shin-Soo Choo – Always got on base, always produced.
• Edwin Encarnación – Reliable power hitter for over a decade.
• Gio González – Two-time All-Star lefty, topped 100 wins.
• Alex Gordon – Eight Gold Gloves, just a defensive wizard in left field.
• Cole Hamels – World Series MVP and a rotation mainstay.
• Matt Kemp – Three-time All-Star, nearly took home an MVP.
• Howie Kendrick – Clutch in the postseason, helped the Nationals win in 2019.
• Nick Markakis – Racked up over 2,300 hits, tough as nails.
• Daniel Murphy – Big bat for the Mets during their 2015 playoff run.
• Hunter Pence – Fan favorite, two-time World Series champ.

Returning Candidates Seeking Hall of Fame Validation

Newcomers might get the buzz, but the veterans on the ballot are still fighting for that 75 percent vote needed for election. Carlos Beltrán leads the way after pulling 70.3 percent last year, with Andruw Jones right behind at 66.2 percent.

Both guys seem like solid bets to make it in eventually, but nothing’s guaranteed.

High-Profile Returning Names

This year’s ballot features plenty of stars still waiting on Cooperstown:

• Chase Utley – Top second baseman of his time, with power and speed.
• Alex Rodriguez – Three MVPs, over 3,000 hits, but PED issues cloud his case.
• Manny Ramírez – Two rings, last year on the ballot, but PED penalties have hurt him; highest vote share was 34.3.
• Andy Pettitte – Five-time World Series champ, always showed up in October.
• Dustin Pedroia – 2008 AL MVP, Boston infield legend.
• Bobby Abreu – Steady hitter, great at getting on base.
• Mark Buehrle – Durable, threw a no-hitter and a perfect game.
• Félix Hernández – Cy Young winner, Mariners’ longtime ace.
• Torii Hunter – Nine Gold Gloves, always a defensive force.
• Francisco Rodríguez – One of the nastiest closers ever.
• Jimmy Rollins – 2007 NL MVP, the spark for Philly’s offense.
• Omar Vizquel – Defensive icon, but off-field stuff has complicated things.
• David Wright – Captain and heart of the Mets for years.

Key Dates and Additional Hall of Fame Considerations

The Baseball Writers’ Association of America will wrap up voting by December 31. Results get announced on January 20.

That’s not the only Hall of Fame drama on tap, though. The Contemporary Baseball Players Era Committee meets December 7 to take another look at eight overlooked stars—think Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, Don Mattingly, and a few others.

If any of them get in, they’ll join the July 26 induction ceremony in Cooperstown. Should be a summer to remember, right?

A Winter of Heated Debate

From Porcello’s Cy Young peak to Bonds’ home run records, the ballot covers so many kinds of greatness. There’s statistical dominance, championship rings, and—yeah—controversy too.

Writers now have to weigh legacy against off-field baggage. This year’s Hall of Fame cycle is already sparking arguments about what makes someone truly great in baseball.

There’s a deep mix of fresh faces and some big names returning. The announcement could shake up the game’s pantheon, adding names that’ll stick in baseball history for good.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Rick Porcello one of 12 newcomers, Dustin Pedroia returns on Baseball Hall of Fame ballot