The Baseball Hall of Fame is welcoming three new members, as the BBWAA vote results are in: Carlos Beltrán, Andruw Jones, and Jeff Kent have earned their place in Cooperstown.
Beltrán and Jones: Complex Legacies, Hall-Worthy Careers
Carlos Beltrán’s election comes with both statistical merit and complicated context. On the field, Beltrán was one of the most complete outfielders of his era - a nine-time All-Star, three-time Gold Glove winner, and a postseason force with a knack for delivering in big moments.
His combination of power, speed, and defensive range made him a rare five-tool player who aged gracefully into a leadership role in the latter stages of his career. But his involvement in the Houston Astros’ 2017 sign-stealing scandal cast a shadow over his legacy.
While that controversy delayed his Hall of Fame trajectory, it ultimately didn’t derail it - voters have now decided his career accomplishments outweigh the baggage.
Andruw Jones’ path was also far from straightforward. At his peak, Jones was arguably the best defensive center fielder the game has ever seen.
His 10 Gold Gloves and 434 career home runs speak to a player who impacted the game on both sides of the ball. Yet his offensive production declined sharply in his 30s, and off-field issues - including a 2012 domestic violence incident - raised questions that voters had to weigh.
Still, Jones’ defensive brilliance and power bat were enough to push him across the threshold in his final years on the ballot.
Jeff Kent Finally Gets the Call
Jeff Kent, one of the most productive offensive second basemen in MLB history, is also headed to Cooperstown. Kent’s case has long been debated - his defensive metrics weren’t always kind, and he often clashed with media during his playing days.
But the numbers are hard to argue with: 377 home runs (most ever by a second baseman), an MVP award, and a consistent middle-of-the-order presence for contending teams. After years of hovering just below the line, Kent finally gets the recognition his bat has long deserved.
Close, But Not Quite
Several notable names came up short in this year’s vote. Chase Utley, in his first year on the ballot, received 59.1% - a strong debut that suggests he could reach the Hall in the coming years. Utley’s blend of elite baserunning, defense, and postseason pedigree makes him a compelling candidate.
Andy Pettitte (48.5%), Félix Hernández (46.1%), and Álex Rodríguez (40.0%) also remain in the mix. Pettitte’s postseason résumé - five World Series rings and a record 19 playoff wins - keeps him in the conversation despite a relatively high ERA and a PED admission.
Hernández, meanwhile, continues to be a fascinating case. At his peak, “King Félix” was the most dominant pitcher in the game, winning a Cy Young and racking up strikeouts with electric stuff.
His candidacy will hinge on how voters evaluate peak performance versus longevity.
Rodríguez, despite Hall-level numbers, remains weighed down by his PED history. His 40% showing reflects a voter base still divided on how to handle players linked to performance-enhancing drugs.
Falling Off the Ballot
Several players failed to reach the 5% threshold and will no longer be eligible via the BBWAA vote. Ryan Braun, Edwin Encarnación (1.4%), Shin-Soo Choo, Matt Kemp, Hunter Pence, Rick Porcello, Alex Gordon, Nick Markakis, Gio González, Howie Kendrick, and Daniel Murphy all drop off. While many of these players had strong careers and were fan favorites in their prime, the Hall of Fame bar remains incredibly high.
Manny Ramírez also exits the BBWAA ballot after his tenth and final year. Despite posting his highest vote total yet (38.8%), it wasn’t enough.
Ramírez’s offensive numbers - a .312 career batting average, 555 home runs, and a 1.000 OPS - are Hall-worthy by any statistical measure. But multiple PED suspensions have kept him out.
His next shot will come via the Contemporary Era Committee in 2028.
Looking Ahead
This year’s vote underscores the evolving standards and complexities of Hall of Fame selection. Voters are clearly willing to consider context - both on and off the field - but the process remains a case-by-case evaluation. Players like Utley and Hernández are well-positioned for future induction, while others like Ramírez and Rodríguez face steeper climbs due to off-field issues.
For now, it’s a moment to celebrate three players who, in very different ways, left lasting marks on the game. Beltrán, Jones, and Kent each brought something unique to baseball - and now, they’ll be immortalized in Cooperstown.