UPDATE: The highly anticipated Hall of Fame voting results from the Baseball Writers’ Association of America will be revealed today at 6 p.m. ET. Fans and analysts alike are eagerly awaiting the announcement, especially regarding two center fielders: Carlos Beltran and Andruw Jones, who are vying for a spot in the prestigious Class of 2026.
With only one newcomer, Cole Hamels, boasting more than 50 career WAR on this year’s ballot, the competition appears less intense compared to previous years. The 2026 ballot features a total of 27 players with a combined 1,282 WAR, yet only 11 players surpass the 50 career WAR milestone. In stark contrast, the 2013 ballot had 37 candidates worth a total of 1,672 WAR, including 16 players with over 50 career WAR.
Many are questioning whether Beltran and Jones will secure enough votes to join the Hall. Last year, Beltran garnered 70.3% of the vote in his third year on the ballot, while Jones received 66.2% in his eighth year. Currently, a tracking tool by Ryan Thibodaux shows Beltran polling at 89.2% and Jones at 83.5% of publicly revealed ballots. However, caution is warranted; both players saw significant drops in their voting percentages last year before the final results were confirmed.
The urgency surrounding this year’s announcement is heightened by the historical context of center fielders in the Hall of Fame. Center fielders are notably underrepresented, with only four enshrined since 1960: Willie Mays, Andre Dawson, Kirby Puckett, and Ken Griffey Jr.. This void raises questions about the criteria used by voters, particularly when comparing the treatment of relievers, with nine already elected.
Beltran stands out as a formidable candidate with a career WAR of 70.0, placing him fourth among center fielders since 1960. His statistics, including 435 home runs and 2,725 hits, further bolster his Hall of Fame credentials. Conversely, Jones, with a 62.7 WAR, relies heavily on defensive metrics, making his path to election less certain.
Another candidate generating buzz is Chase Utley, polling at 67.9% on public ballots. This marks a significant increase from 39.8% in 2025, suggesting growing momentum. Utley, known for his peak performance, faces a similar dilemma as voters weigh high peak value against career longevity, a trend that has historically favored longer careers.
Hamels, a star pitcher from the 2008 World Series, is also making his debut on the ballot with a career 57.9 WAR. While he lacks a Cy Young Award, his postseason accolades and performance may resonate with voters, especially as they reevaluate standards for modern pitchers who debuted in the past two decades.
The excitement and tension surrounding today’s announcement are palpable. Fans are encouraged to tune in at 6 p.m. ET to see if Beltran or Jones secure their places in baseball history. This moment not only impacts the players involved but also reflects the evolving standards and discussions within the Hall of Fame voting process.
As the clock ticks down, anticipation builds. Will the results change the landscape of the Hall of Fame for center fielders? Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
