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You may be interested in: Carlos Beltrán will be inducted into the Mets Hall of Fame along with Lee Mazzilli and Bobby Valentine in 2026
In the last two years, the BBWAA has selected three new members per cycle, including great figures like Adrián Beltré, Joe Mauer, Ichiro Suzuki, and CC Sabathia, all elected in their first appearance. However, the 2026 edition presents a more competitive landscape.Beltrán and Jones lead the returning candidates
Among the players with the most previous support, the Puerto Rican Carlos Beltrán and former center fielder Andruw Jones stand out, who are seen as the main candidates to receive the 75% necessary to be exalted. Beltrán, in his third appearance, reached 70.3% in the last vote, remaining less than five points from the threshold. Jones, for his part, continues a notable recovery in the ballots, registering 66.2% in 2025 and having two more years of eligibility.Emerging Candidates on the Ballot
The debutant group is led by the left-hander Cole Hamels, identified as one of the options with the greatest potential to sustain himself in future votes. His career numbers –163 wins, 3.43 ERA, and 2,560 strikeouts– place him in close comparison with other pitchers on the ballot, such as Félix Hernández. In addition to Hamels, prominent names appear for the first time such as:- Ryan Braun
- Shin-Soo Choo
- Alex Gordon
- Matt Kemp
- Nick Markakis
- Hunter Pence
- Edwin Encarnación
- Howie Kendrick
- Daniel Murphy
- Gio González
- Rick Porcello
