The Baseball Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026 is about to be revealed, and while there aren’t any sure things on this year’s ballot, we’ve got a pretty good idea of who’s most likely to make the cut.
Carlos Beltran sits at the top with 70.3% of the vote last year. Players who get that close usually see a bump the following year, and it’s hard to imagine the former outfielder won’t cross that 75% threshold this time around.
Andruw Jones is the other realistic possibility after reaching 66.2% in 2025. But here’s the thing – if the longtime Braves center fielder doesn’t make it this year, 2027 will be his final shot on the writers’ ballot.
Among the first-timers, Cole Hamels has the strongest case, though he’s looking at a long road ahead.
When the Results Drop
- Date: Tuesday, Jan. 20
- Time: 6 p.m. ET
The Baseball Writers’ Association of America voting results will be announced at 6 p.m. ET on Tuesday. MLB Network starts their preview show at 4 p.m., building up to what could be a historic moment for Beltran and possibly Jones.
How to Watch
- TV channel: MLB Network
- Live stream: Fubo
You can catch the announcement live on MLB Network or stream it through Fubo, which offers a free trial for new users.
The 2026 Ballot Breakdown
There are 27 players on this year’s BBWAA ballot, including 12 first-timers. The math is simple – you need 75% of the vote to get in. Fall below 5%, and you’re off the ballot. Players can stay on for a maximum of 10 years.
Here’s who’s up for consideration and where they stood after last year’s voting:
| Player | Year on Ballot | 2025 Vote % |
|---|---|---|
| Carlos Beltran | 4th | 70.3% |
| Andruw Jones | 9th | 66.2% |
| Chase Utley | 3rd | 39.8% |
| Alex Rodriguez | 5th | 37.1% |
| Manny Ramirez | 10th | 34.3% |
| Andy Pettitte | 8th | 27.9% |
| Felix Hernandez | 2nd | 20.6% |
| Bobby Abreu | 7th | 19.5% |
| Jimmy Rollins | 5th | 18.0% |
| Omar Vizquel | 9th | 17.8% |
| Dustin Pedroia | 2nd | 11.9% |
| Mark Buehrle | 6th | 11.4% |
| Francisco Rodriguez | 4th | 10.2% |
| David Wright | 3rd | 8.1% |
| Torii Hunter | 6th | 5.1% |
| Cole Hamels | 1st | — |
| Ryan Braun | 1st | — |
| Alex Gordon | 1st | — |
| Shin-Soo Choo | 1st | — |
| Edwin Encarnacion | 1st | — |
| Howie Kendrick | 1st | — |
| Nick Markakis | 1st | — |
| Hunter Pence | 1st | — |
| Gio Gonzalez | 1st | — |
| Matt Kemp | 1st | — |
| Daniel Murphy | 1st | — |
| Rick Porcello | 1st | — |
Note that this is Manny Ramirez’s final year on the ballot. At 34.3%, he’s not getting close to enshrinement through the writers.
Induction Ceremony Details
- Date: Sunday, July 26
- Time: 1:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Clark Sports Center in Cooperstown, New York
The induction ceremony takes place this summer in Cooperstown. Jeff Kent is already locked in after being elected by the Contemporary Baseball Era Committee in December, so he’ll definitely have company on stage that day.
The question is whether Beltran joins him as the headliner, and if Jones can finally break through after years of building momentum. We’ll find out Tuesday evening.
