Philly Leader

The Hall of Fame's Class of 2025 has been finalized with Ichiro Suzuki, CC Sabathia, and Billy Wagner earning their places in Cooperstown. As the focus shifts to future ballots, notable players such as Cole Hamels and Ryan Braun are set to debut on the Hall of Fame ballot in 2026. Hamels retired officially in August 2023 but last played in 2020. Despite injuries impacting his later career, his candidacy remains intriguing. Braun's case is complicated by a relatively short career and ties to performance-enhancing drugs.

Other potential first-time candidates for 2026 include Shin-Soo Choo, Edwin Encarnación, Alex Gordon, Matt Kemp, Nick Markakis, and Hunter Pence. Manny Ramirez will face his final year on the ballot after receiving 34.3% of votes in 2025.

In subsequent years, Buster Posey and Jon Lester emerge as top first-time candidates for 2027. Posey's MVP credentials and championship wins bolster his chances despite a shorter career. Lester's postseason success may gain him support over time if voters shift their evaluation criteria for pitchers.

For the class of 2028, Albert Pujols and Yadier Molina could be first-ballot inductees. Pujols' remarkable achievements make him a strong candidate while Molina's defensive prowess provides him with a legitimate chance despite offensive shortcomings.

Miguel Cabrera leads the candidates expected on the 2029 ballot alongside Zack Greinke and Joey Votto. Cabrera’s impressive stats secure his likely induction. Greinke’s consistent performance over two decades strengthens his case, while Votto offers a compelling argument based on sustained excellence.

Looking ahead to 2030, clear frontrunners have yet to emerge as many prominent players remain unsigned or undecided about retirement plans.