Cooperstown is getting a little more crowded this summer-and Texas Rangers fans have a few extra reasons to tune in. Carlos Beltran and Andruw Jones are officially headed to the National Baseball Hall of Fame, joining Jeff Kent to round out the Class of 2026. Beltran and Jones both spent brief stints in Arlington, but their legacies stretch far beyond their time in a Rangers uniform.
Beltran, Jones Earn Their Hall Passes
Carlos Beltran cleared the Hall’s 75% threshold with room to spare, pulling in 84.2% of the vote in his third year on the ballot. Known for his smooth swing, elite baserunning instincts, and postseason heroics, Beltran’s resume has long screamed Hall of Fame. His 52-game stint with the Rangers in 2016 was a small chapter in a 20-year career that included nine All-Star selections, three Gold Gloves, and over 400 home runs.
Andruw Jones had a steeper climb. After years of inching closer, the 10-time Gold Glove center fielder finally crossed the finish line with 78.4% of the vote.
Jones played 82 games for Texas in 2009, but he’s best remembered for patrolling center field in Atlanta with jaw-dropping range and power at the plate. His defensive dominance and 434 career homers make his induction a long-overdue recognition.
With Beltran and Jones now enshrined, they become the 10th and 11th Hall of Famers to wear a Rangers jersey at some point in their careers. They also mark the first pair of former Rangers inducted in the same year since Ferguson Jenkins and Gaylord Perry in 1991.
Jeff Kent Joins via Contemporary Era Committee
While Beltran and Jones earned their spots through the writers’ vote, Jeff Kent punched his ticket in December via the Contemporary Era Committee. One of the most productive offensive second basemen in MLB history, Kent’s induction adds another layer of depth to this year’s class. His power numbers-377 home runs and an MVP award in 2000-finally got the recognition they deserved.
Hamels Makes a Solid First Impression
Cole Hamels didn’t make it in this year, but his Hall of Fame journey is just beginning. In his first year on the ballot, Hamels pulled in 23.8% of the vote-well short of the 75% needed, but a solid foundation to build on. As the Hall continues to reassess how modern pitching careers are evaluated-especially in an era of reduced innings and evolving workloads-Hamels could see his case gain momentum.
During his nearly three seasons with the Rangers, Hamels posted a 31-20 record, striking out 419 batters in 398 innings. He was a steady presence atop the rotation and brought playoff experience to Texas after a decorated run with the Phillies.
Over his 16-year career, Hamels finished with a 163-122 record, a 3.43 ERA, and 2,560 strikeouts. His 57.9 career WAR isn’t at the typical Hall standard for starting pitchers, but it’s in the conversation-and higher than several current inductees.
Choo’s Candidacy Ends After One Year
Shin-Soo Choo, who spent seven solid seasons with the Rangers, didn’t make it past his first year on the ballot. The veteran outfielder received just three votes, falling below the 5% threshold required to remain in consideration.
Choo was a model of consistency in Texas, tallying 771 hits, 116 home runs, and a .260 average across 799 games. He was an All-Star in 2018 and known for his patience at the plate-his career .373 OBP ranks among the top 250 in MLB history. While his overall numbers may not scream Hall of Fame, Choo’s contributions to the Rangers and the game shouldn’t be overlooked.
A-Rod Still on the Outside Looking In
Alex Rodriguez remains one of the most polarizing names in Hall of Fame discussions, and that didn’t change this year. In his fifth year of eligibility, A-Rod received 40% of the vote-up slightly, but still far from the mark. His three-year stint with the Rangers from 2001 to 2003 was statistically dominant: 156 home runs, 395 RBIs, and an AL MVP award in 2003.
But as has been the case since he first appeared on the ballot, Rodriguez’s PED history continues to cloud his candidacy. Until there’s a significant shift in how voters view performance-enhancing drug suspensions, his path to Cooperstown remains uncertain.
Pence Falls Off the Ballot
Hunter Pence, another former Ranger, also saw his Hall hopes end quickly. He received just two votes in his first year of eligibility, falling well short of staying on the ballot.
Pence only played 83 games for Texas in 2019, but he made an impact. His hustle, infectious energy, and veteran leadership made him a fan favorite in a short amount of time. Across his career, Pence was a four-time All-Star, two-time World Series champion, and one of the game’s most respected clubhouse presences.
Looking Ahead
With three new members heading to Cooperstown and several intriguing cases still in play, the Hall of Fame conversation remains as compelling as ever. Beltran and Jones finally get their due, Kent gets his long-awaited call, and pitchers like Hamels will continue to build their cases in the years to come. As for the rest-time, perspective, and evolving standards will tell.