On January 20, 2026, the Baseball Hall of Fame will unveil its newest class, and all eyes are on a few familiar faces-especially for Braves fans. The Baseball Writers’ Association of America vote will be revealed at 6 p.m. Eastern on MLB Network, and while the final tallies are still under wraps, there’s a growing sense that this year’s ballot could add some serious star power to Cooperstown.
Jeff Kent, elected last December by the Contemporary Baseball Era Committee, is already set to be part of this year’s class. Now, the question is: who’s joining him?
One name that’s drawing plenty of buzz is Carlos Beltrán, who many see as a near-lock. But for Braves fans, the spotlight is squarely on Andruw Jones-and rightfully so.
Andruw Jones: A Defensive Icon Nearing the Finish Line
When you talk about elite center fielders, the conversation always circles back to Andruw Jones. And not just among Braves fans-this is a league-wide, all-time kind of respect.
For years, the debate has raged: is Jones the best defensive center fielder ever? His name is often mentioned in the same breath as Willie Mays, and that’s not hyperbole.
The numbers back it up-Jones’ defensive runs saved are jaw-dropping, and his 10 consecutive Gold Gloves weren’t just earned; they were inevitable.
Jones broke into the majors at just 19 years old with Atlanta in 1996 and spent 12 seasons patrolling center field for the Braves. He was a five-time All-Star, a Silver Slugger, and in 2005, he was named Player of the Year after launching a career-high 51 home runs. He finished his MLB career with 434 home runs-368 of them in a Braves uniform-and added another 50 during a two-year stint in Japan.
His career fWAR sits at 67.0, and while his post-Atlanta years saw a noticeable decline, his peak was nothing short of Hall-worthy. Now in his ninth year on the ballot, Jones is inching closer to the 75% threshold needed for induction. It’s going to be tight, but the momentum is real.
Cole Hamels: A Brief Braves Cameo, a Stronger Legacy Elsewhere
Cole Hamels’ time in Atlanta was more of a footnote than a chapter. He made just one start during the COVID-shortened 2020 season, and that turned out to be his final MLB appearance. Official retirement came in 2024 after a series of attempted comebacks.
But while Braves fans might remember Hamels more for what could’ve been, his overall career deserves recognition. He spent a decade as a frontline starter for the Phillies, earning four All-Star nods and taking home both the NLCS and World Series MVP honors during Philadelphia’s 2008 title run.
This is Hamels’ first year on the Hall of Fame ballot, and while he won’t be inducted this time around, he’s expected to stick around for a few years. The odds are long, especially with stronger candidates still waiting their turn, but his career résumé is nothing to scoff at.
Nick Markakis: Steady, Reliable, and Likely One-and-Done
Nick Markakis was never flashy, but he was always dependable. Over 15 seasons-six of them with the Braves-he quietly put together a solid career.
He tallied nearly 2,400 hits, including over 500 doubles, and was a three-time Gold Glove winner. His lone All-Star appearance came in 2018 with Atlanta, a well-deserved nod for a player who often flew under the radar.
Markakis also picked up a Silver Slugger during his time with the Braves, and while he was a model of consistency, his numbers likely won’t be enough to keep him on the ballot beyond this year.
Matt Kemp: One Electrifying Season, Then a Rollercoaster Ride
Matt Kemp’s career had one undeniable peak: 2011. That year, he was a force of nature-posting an 8.3 fWAR and leading the National League in several offensive categories. He finished second in the MVP voting to Ryan Braun, but many still believe Kemp had the more deserving season.
Injuries and inconsistency plagued the rest of his career, though. Kemp spent time with the Braves in 2016 and 2017, hitting 31 of his 287 career home runs in Atlanta. He’s on the ballot for the first time this year, but like Markakis, he’s unlikely to return in 2027.
Félix Hernández: A King Without a Crown-Yet
Félix Hernández never threw a pitch in the regular season for the Braves, but he came close. “King Félix” signed with Atlanta ahead of the 2020 season and made four spring training starts, striking out 14 in 13.1 innings while allowing just three runs. Then the pandemic hit, and Hernández opted out of the shortened season.
All 15 of his big-league seasons came with the Seattle Mariners, where he won the 2010 AL Cy Young Award and finished second in the voting twice more. A six-time All-Star and two-time ERA champ, Hernández isn’t likely to be inducted this year, but his vote totals are trending in the right direction. He’s a name to watch in future cycles.
Looking Ahead
As we look toward the 2027 ballot, a few more former Braves could make their first appearance, but none are expected to make a serious run at induction. For now, the focus is on this year-and especially on Andruw Jones, who’s knocking on Cooperstown’s door.
If the voters are ready to reward elite defense, sustained excellence, and one of the most dominant peaks of his era, Jones just might get the call. And if he does, it’ll be a long-overdue honor for one of the greatest to ever roam center field.