UPDATE: The highly anticipated Hall of Fame voting results from the Baseball Writers’ Association of America will be revealed today at 6 PM ET. This year’s ballot is particularly significant as it features two prominent center fielders vying for induction alongside Jeff Kent, who was elected in December 2023.
As the clock ticks down, fans are left to wonder: will Carlos Beltran and Andruw Jones secure their spots in the prestigious Hall? Last year, Beltran garnered a strong 70.3% of the vote in his third year on the ballot, while Jones pulled in 66.2% in his eighth year. Recent polling from Ryan Thibodaux’s Hall of Fame tracker shows Beltran at an impressive 89.2% and Jones at 83.5% of publicly revealed ballots. However, historical trends indicate that polling figures can shift dramatically by the time final results are announced.
The stakes are high: a player requires 75% of the votes to be elected and must receive at least 5% to remain on the ballot. With a total of 27 players on this year’s ballot, the cumulative career Wins Above Replacement (WAR) is 1,282, but only 11 players exceed 50 career WAR. This year’s selection process is especially scrutinized, as some analysts believe the 2026 ballot is weaker than previous years.
Beltran, with a career WAR of 70.0, ranks fourth among center fielders since 1960, making a strong case for induction. His traditional stats—435 home runs, 2,725 hits, and 1,587 RBIs—further bolster his Hall of Fame credentials. Meanwhile, Jones, with a 62.7 WAR, relies heavily on his defensive performance, a factor that voters will weigh carefully.
In addition to Beltran and Jones, the ballot includes Cole Hamels, a first-time candidate and 2008 World Series MVP, who enters with 57.9 career WAR and 163 wins. Hamels faces tough competition, as the perception of pitching standards has evolved over the last two decades.
Another candidate to watch is Chase Utley, who garnered 39.8% of the vote in 2025 and is showing increased momentum with a current polling of 67.9%. His case, characterized by peak performance rather than longevity, may challenge traditional voting patterns that favor long careers.
As anticipation builds, baseball fans are eager to see if this year’s ballot will break new ground or reinforce existing trends. The results will have implications beyond just these players, potentially influencing future Hall of Fame voting criteria and the perception of peak versus career value among candidates.
Stay tuned for updates as the results unfold, and be prepared for a night filled with excitement and potential surprises in the world of baseball.
