The National Baseball Hall of Fame officially has its Class of 2026, as the Baseball Writers' Association of America (BBWAA) announced Tuesday that outfielders Carlos Beltrán and Andruw Jones have been elected to Cooperstown. In a historic year for center fielders, both players crossed the critical 75% threshold required for induction, cementing their legacies among the sport's immortals. They will join Contemporary Baseball Era Committee electee Jeff Kent for the induction ceremony this summer, capping off an exciting cycle of MLB news today.

A Historic Day for Center Fielders

For the first time in Hall of Fame history, two center fielders have been elected by the BBWAA in the same year. The election of Beltrán and Jones highlights a shift in voter appreciation for the premium position, rewarding two players who dominated the game on both sides of the ball during the 2000s.

Carlos Beltrán, elected in his fourth year of eligibility, appeared on 84.2% of ballots, well clear of the 75% mark. A true five-tool switch-hitter, Beltrán's résumé includes 2,725 hits, 435 home runs, and 312 stolen bases. His election signals that voters have largely looked past his involvement in the 2017 Houston Astros sign-stealing scandal, choosing instead to focus on his nine All-Star selections, three Gold Gloves, and exceptional postseason track record.

Andruw Jones completed one of the most remarkable climbs in voting history. After debuting with just 7.3% support in 2018, the defensive wizard finally received the call in his ninth year on the ballot, garnering 78.4% of the vote. Jones, widely considered the greatest defensive center fielder of his generation, won 10 consecutive Gold Glove Awards and hit 434 career home runs. His election validates the modern analytical view that elite defense is just as valuable as elite offense.

2026 HOF Voting Percentages and Results

The 2026 HOF voting percentages revealed a clear separation between the electees and the rest of the field. Out of 425 ballots cast, candidates needed 319 votes to earn election. Beltrán led all candidates with 358 votes, while Jones secured 333.

While the night belonged to the winners, several other candidates made significant strides or saw their eligibility come to an end:

  • Chase Utley continued his upward trend, finishing with 59.1% in his third year. He appears to be on a clear trajectory for future induction.
  • Andy Pettitte received 48.5%, while Félix Hernández jumped to 46.1% in his second year.
  • Alex Rodriguez remained stagnant at 40.0%, with voters still hesitant due to his suspension for performance-enhancing drugs.
  • Manny Ramírez officially fell off the ballot after ten years, finishing with 38.8% and failing to gain election via the writers' ballot.

Among first-year candidates, only pitcher Cole Hamels managed to stay on the ballot for 2027, receiving 23.8% of the vote. All other newcomers failed to reach the 5% minimum required to remain under consideration.

Jeff Kent Completes the Class of 2026

The Cooperstown Class of 2026 is not just limited to the writers' choices. Former National League MVP Jeff Kent was elected in December 2025 by the Contemporary Baseball Era Committee, receiving 14 of 16 votes from the panel.

Kent, who holds the record for most home runs by a second baseman in MLB history, had previously exhausted his 10 years of eligibility on the BBWAA ballot without success. His election via the committee ensures that the 2026 class features a powerful trio of hitters who defined the National League for over a decade. The induction of Kent alongside Beltrán and Jones ensures a star-studded weekend in upstate New York.

Induction Ceremony Details

The Carlos Beltrán Cooperstown election and Andruw Jones's long-awaited entry will be celebrated officially during Induction Weekend. The ceremony is scheduled for Sunday, July 26, 2026, at the Clark Sports Center in Cooperstown, New York.

Baseball fans can expect an emotional weekend as these three icons take the stage to deliver their acceptance speeches. For Beltrán and Jones, born just one day apart in April 1977, the ceremony represents the culmination of parallel careers that saw them rise from top prospects to undisputed legends of the game.