2026 Baseball Hall of Fame Vote Tracker: Beltrán, Jones Lead Uncertain Chase for Cooperstown
With two weeks until the announcement, the race for the Baseball Hall of Fame's Class of 2026 is taking shape through early ballot tracking. Unlike recent years with clear first-ballot locks, this cycle hinges on players gradually building support, with no surefire inductees from the Baseball Writers' Association of America (BBWAA) vote. The Hall's Contemporary Era Committee has already elected one member: Jeff Kent.
Based on over 140 tracked public ballots (roughly one-third of the expected total), here is the current outlook for the major candidates.
🔒 On Track for Induction (But Not a Lock)
Two outfielders currently sit above the critical 75% threshold, though history cautions that private ballots often trend more conservatively.
Carlos Beltrán (88.4%): In his 4th year, his stellar on-field resume (2,725 hits, 435 HR, 1,587 RBI) is tempered by his central role in the 2017 Astros sign-stealing scandal, which some voters cite under the "character clause."
Andruw Jones (83.0%): A defensive legend with 434 home runs, he faces his own character questions from a 2012 domestic violence arrest. In his 9th year, he is running out of time to overcome any last-minute voter resistance.
📈 Building Momentum for Future Classes
A strong group of players is building compelling cases, though they are unlikely to reach 75% this year.
Chase Utley (66.7%, 3rd Year): The premier second baseman of his era is gaining steady support and appears to be on a trajectory for eventual induction.
Félix Hernández (58.5%, 2nd Year): "King Felix's" Cy Young award and historic peak are resonating, making a significant sophomore-year jump.
Andy Pettitte (55.8%, 8th Year): Showing notable gains, but with only two years left on the ballot, his association with PEDs remains a hurdle he must clear quickly.
Cole Hamels (32.0%, 1st Year): A solid debut for the 2008 World Series MVP, positioning him for a multi-year candidacy.
🎭 The Most Polarizing Case
Alex Rodriguez (47.6%, 5th Year): Despite multiple MVP awards and over 3,000 hits, his multiple PED suspensions continue to divide voters. His support has grown but remains well short of induction, placing him as the ballot's most controversial figure.
⌛ Likely Falling Short
Manny Ramirez (43.5%, 10th Year): This is his final year of BBWAA eligibility. His prolific hitting career is overshadowed by repeated PED violations, making his path forward dependent on a future era committee.
The Final Countdown
The early tracker provides a snapshot, but the final tally on January 26th will be decided by hundreds of private ballots. The candidacies of Beltrán and Jones, in particular, will test how the modern electorate weighs elite performance against significant off-field controversies.
| Player | Current Vote % | Year on Ballot | Status Projection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carlos Beltrán | 88.4% | 4th | On Track (Watch Close) |
| Andruw Jones | 83.0% | 9th | On Track (Watch Close) |
| Chase Utley | 66.7% | 3rd | Building Momentum |
| Félix Hernández | 58.5% | 2nd | Building Momentum |
| Andy Pettitte | 55.8% | 8th | Needs Late Surge |
| Alex Rodriguez | 47.6% | 5th | Stalled by Controversy |
| Manny Ramírez | 43.5% | 10th (Final) | Falling Short |
