Overview
- CBS Sports’ Mike Axisa released a full 10-player ballot featuring Carlos Beltrán, Manny Ramírez, Alex Rodríguez, Félix Hernández, Cole Hamels, Andruw Jones, Andy Pettitte, Mark Buehrle, Bobby Abreu, and Chase Utley.
- The Philadelphia Inquirer reports Chase Utley is tracking above 60% in early returns, with Bobby Abreu around 40%, Jimmy Rollins near 23%, and first-time candidate Cole Hamels at about 32.2% on a public ballot tracker.
- Axisa argues that prior PED suspensions for Rodríguez and Ramírez should not be career-long disqualifiers, and he supports Beltrán despite the Astros sign-stealing probe that did not result in player discipline.
- Voter rationales highlighted in the coverage weigh peak dominance for candidates like Hernández and Hamels against longevity cases such as Buehrle and Pettitte.
- Writers may select up to 10 names, 75% is required for election, and the Hall of Fame class will be revealed Tuesday, Jan. 20 on MLB Network.