Overview
- The BBWAA unveiled a 27-player ballot featuring 12 first-time candidates and 15 returnees for the Class of 2026.
- Carlos Beltrán tops the holdovers after receiving 70.3% last year, with Andruw Jones next at 66.2%.
- First-time eligibles include Cole Hamels, Ryan Braun, Matt Kemp, Howie Kendrick, Daniel Murphy, Rick Porcello, Shin-Soo Choo, Edwin Encarnación, Gio González, Alex Gordon, Nick Markakis and Hunter Pence.
- PED histories remain part of voter calculus, with Braun’s 65-game suspension in 2013 noted alongside holdovers Alex Rodriguez and Manny Ramirez.
- Ballots must be postmarked by Dec. 31, results will be announced Jan. 20 on MLB Network, and any BBWAA electees will be inducted July 26 in Cooperstown.