Braves Legend Clear Favorite for 2026 HOF Ballot

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00:00Braves Legend Clear Favorite for 2026 Hall of Fame Ballot

00:04In Cooperstown's long history, some Hall of Fame classes arrive loudly and others quietly,

00:10and the 2026 ballot leans toward the latter. But that quiet brings clarity. Among returning

00:16candidates, only Andrew Jones and Carlos Beltran stand out as true contenders, with strong,

00:22data-backed cases that are nearing completion. Both players, natural center fielders and proven

00:27postseason performers, are on the cusp of Hall of Fame induction. Andrew Jones, in his ninth year

00:33on the ballot, finished his career with 434 home runs, nearly 1,300 RBI, a 62.7 war, and 10 gold

00:41gloves that define his status as a generational defensive talent despite his late career decline.

00:48Carlos Beltran, the switch hitter from Puerto Rico, built an elite October resume with a .307 average

00:54in 65 playoff games and slightly stronger overall production, a .279-0.350-0.486 career line,

01:03435 home runs, 1,587 RBI, and 312 steals. His connection to the 2017 Astros sign-stealing

01:12scandal remains a hurdle, but his 13.2% rise in 2025 voting suggests voters are moving past it and that

01:19his induction is likely approaching. Behind Jones and Beltran, the ballot thins quickly. Chase Utley

01:26debuted at 39.8%, well short of a path to 75%, and likely headed for a slow, multi-year climb.

01:34PED-linked candidates Alex Rodriguez, Manny Ramirez, and Andy Petit remain stalled despite

01:40Hall-worthy careers, with writers still unwilling to overlook their histories, leaving the Veterans

01:45Committee as their best hope. Bobby Abreu, Jimmy Rollins, and Tori Hunter continue to linger on the

01:50ballot, but each would need a dramatic surge in support to become serious contenders. In a thin

01:56newcomer class led by familiar but non-viable names like Ryan Braun, Cole Hamels, and Hunter Pence,

02:02the 2026 ballot ultimately centers on two deserving standout centerfielders, Andrew Jones and Carlos

02:08Beltran, who appear poised to headline a small but worthy Hall of Fame class.