The Baseball Writers’ Association of America just revealed the candidates that will appear on this year’s Hall of Fame ballot. One way for me to feel really old is to check out this list every year. All 11 names mentioned were guys that I watched growing up throughout the entirety of their careers. Some will be removed from the ballot going forward (those who receive less than 5% of the vote). Let’s take a look who has the best chance at making it, possibly even on their first ballot.
Possible First Ballot Hall of Famers
Adrian Beltre, 3rd Base, Joe Mauer, Catcher
Beltre is by far the biggest name on this list. Beltre put together an impressive body of work during his 21-year career, tallying 5 Gold Glove awards, 4 Silver Sluggers, and 4 All-Star appearances. Beltre’s wins above replacement (WAR) of 93.5 puts him 27th all-time among position players. There’s no doubt that Beltre will make the Hall of Fame one day, and he’s got a shot to make it on his first ballot.
“His numbers are obviously Hall of Fame, but can you remember anybody with more joy?”
First-time Hall of Fame candidate Adrián Beltré had an incredible career and he did it while making others around him smile. pic.twitter.com/4n5hBQhCZH
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) November 21, 2023
Mauer was Minnesota’s golden boy, as he grew up in Minnesota and was drafted #1 overall by his hometown team. His MVP award in 2009, to go along with 5 silver sluggers, 3 batting titles, and 3 gold gloves, practically guarantees his eventual induction. He also has a chance to go in this year, with his main selling point focusing on him potentially being one of the best offensive catchers of all time.
Probable Hall of Famers, eventually
Chase Utley, 2nd Base, David Wright, Third Base
I believe that Utley and Wright have the next best chances to make it in. Utley’s main argument was that between 2005-2010, he had the second best WAR in the league. If he had played a few more years, he would likely be a first ballot Hall of Famer.
Like Mauer, Wright spent his entire career with one team. The longtime Met made 7 All-Star games, but injuries derailed his career before he could accumulate the counting stats that are typical for entry. Give him a few years and we may see him get the nod.
Would be fun if they make it, but unlikely
Bartolo Colon, Pitcher | Jose Bautista, Outfielder
Bartolo Colon probably doesn’t have the numbers to make it in, but man, would people be thrilled if he made it. Revered for his hilarious at bats when pitchers still hit in the National League, Colon became a fan favourite in his later years. His use of steroids also likely makes it difficult for him to get in.
Jose Bautista famous bat-flip will live in Toronto Blue Jays lore forever. Beyond that, he had an elite stretch between 2010-2015, earning top 10 MVP votes in 4 of those seasons. The body of work probably isn’t there, but at the very least, he’ll likely have his jersey retired by the team one day.
Not going to make it, but fun to reminisce on their careers
Matt Holliday, Outfielder | Adrian Gonzalez, 1st Base | Jose Reyes, Shortstop
Victor Martinez, Catcher | James Shields, Pitcher | Brandon Phillips, 2nd Base
I’ll always remember these players for playing at an All-Star level during my formative years as a baseball fan. Matt Holliday will always be remembered for his epic slide home while playing for the Rockies in 2007. Jose Reyes was one of the most dynamic shortstops of the era, and a guy who helped the Blue Jays go on a run in the mid 2010’s. Brandon Phillips might be my favourite Reds players ever. It’s always cool to review the careers of these players, even if they are one and done on the ballot.