There’s something about a Hall of Fame debate in the dead of winter that just hits right. Maybe it’s the promise of spring training on the horizon, or maybe it’s the way Cooperstown arguments stir up all the passion, nostalgia, and controversy that make baseball what it is. Either way, with the 2026 Hall of Fame class now official, there’s plenty to unpack - and this year’s ballot was as complicated and compelling as ever.
Let’s start with the big picture: the Hall continues to inch closer to the so-called “Hall of Very Good.” That’s not necessarily a knock - it’s just the reality of a voting process that’s become more nuanced, more divided, and more reflective of the shifting standards in today’s game. Harold Baines’ induction a few years back opened the door for debates like this to flourish, and here we are.
The Steroid Era Still Casts a Long Shadow
The elephant in the room - as it has been for over a decade - is performance-enhancing drugs. And this year, the conversation was once again front and center, especially with Carlos Beltrán and Alex Rodriguez on the ballot.
Beltrán’s case is a fascinating one. He was a brilliant player with a Hall-worthy résumé, but the stain of the Astros’ 2017 sign-stealing scandal loomed large.
For years, that scandal kept him off many ballots. This year, though, he made the cut - and it feels like a turning point.
Beltrán wasn’t just a participant in that scheme; he was a ringleader. He used his deep baseball knowledge and two decades of experience to help the Astros decode signs and relay them in real time.
It was a clear breach of the sport’s unwritten code - and in the eyes of many, a direct attack on the game’s integrity. The Yankees, for one, still believe it cost them a World Series berth.
But here’s the thing: Beltrán was the only one who took the fall. Commissioner Rob Manfred didn’t discipline any Astros players.
Instead, Beltrán - who had just been hired to manage the Mets - became the scapegoat. He lost his job before ever managing a game.
He took his punishment quietly. No excuses.
No finger-pointing.
That accountability, rare as it is in these situations, earned him a second look. And this year, it earned him a vote.
The Rodriguez Dilemma
Alex Rodriguez, on the other hand, remains stuck in neutral. His numbers are undeniable - 696 home runs, three MVPs, and a stat sheet that screams first-ballot Hall of Famer. But the story behind those numbers is where things fall apart.
Rodriguez didn’t just use PEDs - he used them repeatedly. He didn’t just deny it - he launched lawsuits against MLB, the Yankees’ team doctor, even his own union.
He didn’t come clean until the federal government forced his hand during the Biogenesis investigation. And even then, he painted himself as a victim.
That’s why, despite his historic production, Rodriguez continues to hover around 40% in the voting. It’s not just the cheating - it’s the cover-up, the deception, the scorched-earth campaign to protect a lie.
There’s no precedent for that kind of behavior on a Hall of Fame ballot. And for many voters, that’s a line they won’t cross.
Breaking Down the Ballot
Now let’s get into the rest of the ballot - the players who earned votes and the reasons why.
Andruw Jones
Jones is one of the most underrated players of his era.
He’s one of only four players in MLB history with 400+ home runs and 10 Gold Gloves. The other three?
Willie Mays, Ken Griffey Jr., and Mike Schmidt - all first-ballot guys. For nearly a decade, Jones was the gold standard in center field.
His defense alone was elite, and when you add the power, it’s a no-brainer.
Chase Utley
From 2005 to 2014, Utley was the engine that powered the Phillies.
His peak - especially those first six seasons - was elite. He made five All-Star teams, posted a .911 OPS, and ranked second in bWAR during that stretch, behind only Albert Pujols.
That’s ahead of guys like A-Rod, Mark Teixeira, and Joe Mauer. Utley wasn’t just a great second baseman - he was one of the best all-around players in the game for nearly a decade.
Felix Hernandez
“The King” had a shorter peak than some Hall of Famers, but when he was on, he was dominant.
Six All-Star appearances in seven seasons, a Cy Young Award, two ERA titles, and a perfect game - that’s a résumé built on excellence. From 2008 to 2015, there weren’t many pitchers you’d rather have on the mound.
Andy Pettitte
Pettitte is October royalty.
No pitcher in history has more postseason wins (19), and his 256 career victories are more than several Hall of Famers, including Juan Marichal and Catfish Hunter. Yes, he was linked to PEDs - twice - but in both cases, it was human growth hormone, reportedly used to recover from injury.
That distinction matters to some voters, especially when considering the context.
Omar Vizquel
Vizquel’s case is complicated.
On the field, he was one of the best defensive shortstops ever - 11 Gold Gloves and a reputation that rivals Ozzie Smith. But his offensive numbers - an 82 OPS+ - don’t help his cause.
And off the field, serious allegations of domestic abuse and a civil lawsuit alleging sexual harassment have clouded his candidacy. He settled the suit and was never criminally charged, but the off-field concerns have undeniably impacted his standing.
Final Thoughts
The Hall of Fame is supposed to honor greatness - not just in stats, but in legacy. And in this era, legacy is more complicated than ever.
Voters are grappling with PEDs, scandals, shortened peaks, and shifting standards. There are no easy answers.
But that’s what makes this process so fascinating. It’s not just about who gets in - it’s about how we define greatness, integrity, and what it means to leave a lasting mark on the game.
So yeah, it’s January. It’s cold.
But the Hall of Fame debate? That’s the kind of heat baseball fans live for.