The new Baseball Hall of Fame ballot is now available, and among the most prominent names are Matt Kemp, Ryan Braun, and Cole Hamels, all eligible for the first time. The list was published this Monday by the Baseball Writers' Association of America (BBWAA), which also confirmed the return of 15 candidates from the previous cycle, led by Carlos Beltran. Beltran came close to achieving induction in 2025. He received 277 votes out of a possible 394, equivalent to 70.3%, falling just 19 votes short of the required 75%. His 17-season career, with 435 home runs, a .279 batting average, and nine All-Star Game appearances, keeps him as a favorite among voters. First-timers, returns, and a competitive landscape: Twelve players are making their debut on the ballot this year. In addition to Kemp, Hamels, and Braun, the list includes Howie Kendrick, Daniel Murphy, Rick Porcello, Shin-Soo Choo, Edwin Encarnacion, Gio Gonzalez, Alex Gordon, Nick Markakis, and Hunter Pence. All meet the requirement of having last played in 2020. As for the returning players, several continue their upward trajectory. Andruw Jones jumped from 61.6% to 66.2% in the 2025 voting and is less than 10 points away from induction. Chase Utley also saw a significant leap, rising from 28.8% to 39.8% in his second year. Felix Hernandez, meanwhile, debuted with 20.6%.

Other relevant names are back in the running, though with more modest gains: Alex Rodriguez (37.1%), Manny Ramirez (34.3%), Bobby Abreu (19.5%), Omar Vizquel (17.8%), Jimmy Rollins (18%), Andy Pettitte (27.9%), Dustin Pedroia (11.9%), Mark Buehrle (11.4%), Francisco Rodriguez (10.2%), David Wright (8.1%), and Torii Hunter (5.1%).

The BBWAA announced that ballots must be postmarked by December 31, and the results will be announced on January 20. Those who surpass 75% will be inducted at the ceremony on July 26 in Cooperstown.

The class of new candidates arrives without a “sure thing,”Unlike recent years that included immediate selections like Ichiro Suzuki, CC Sabathia, Adrian Beltre, or Joe Mauer, Cole Hamels could still gain initial traction, especially considering his career 163 wins, 3.43 ERA, and memorable performance in the 2008 World Series, where he was named MVP of both the National League Championship Series and the World Series. Kemp, meanwhile, is seeking consideration after batting .284 with 287 home runs throughout his years with the Dodgers, Padres, Braves, Cincinnati, and Colorado. Braun comes in as one of the most productive names of his generation, although his career has been marred by doping issues. The list of players being considered by the contemporary era committee also includes some heavyweights: Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, Don Mattingly, Dale Murphy, Carlos Delgado, Jeff Kent, Gary Sheffield, and Fernando Valenzuela.