On January 23, 2024, the much-anticipated class for the Baseball Hall of Fame will be unveiled, marking a significant moment in the world of baseball. The announcement of the results is based on the votes cast by members of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America, with players needing to secure 75% of the ballots to earn a coveted spot in the renowned sports museum. Those who achieve this threshold will have the honor of joining manager Jim Leyland for an induction ceremony scheduled for July in the historic town of Cooperstown, New York.
The 2024 Hall of Fame ballot comprises a mix of 14 returning players and 12 first-timers, all of whom last played in 2018. Among the returning players, Todd Helton, with a 72.2% vote in 2023, and Billy Wagner, who garnered 68.1%, appear to be strong contenders to reach the required percentage this year. The class of first-timers includes notable names such as Adrian Beltre, widely expected to secure a spot, and Joe Mauer, who has shown promise in early voting according to Ryan Thibodaux’s Hall of Fame ballot tracker.
A notable figure in his final year of eligibility is slugger Gary Sheffield, who received 55% of the vote in 2023. Meanwhile, Alex Rodriguez, entering his third year of eligibility, seeks to build on the 35.7% support he garnered in his second year.
Here’s a comprehensive look at the players on the 2024 Baseball Hall of Fame ballot:
- Bobby Abreu (fifth year, 15.4% in 2023)
- José Bautista (first)
- Carlos Beltrán (second, 46.5%)
- Adrian Beltre (first)
- Mark Buehrle (fourth, 10.8%)
- Bartolo Colon (first)
- Adrian Gonzalez (first)
- Todd Helton (sixth, 72.2%)
- Matt Holliday (first)
- Torii Hunter (fourth, 6.9%)
- Andruw Jones (seventh, 58.1%)
- Victor Martinez (first)
- Joe Mauer (first)
- Andy Pettitte (sixth, 17%)
- Brandon Phillips (first)
- Manny Ramirez (eighth, 33.2%)
- Jose Reyes (first)
- Alex Rodriguez (third, 35.7%)
- Francisco Rodriguez (second, 10.8%)
- Jimmy Rollins (third, 12.9%)
- Gary Sheffield (10th, 55%)
- James Shields (first)
- Chase Utley (first)
- Omar Vizquel (seventh, 19.5%)
- Billy Wagner (ninth, 68.1%)
- David Wright (first)
The announcement of the voting results is scheduled for January 23 at 6 p.m. ET, with MLB Network providing coverage of this momentous occasion. Following the announcement, attention will turn to the induction ceremony, set to take place on July 21 in Cooperstown, New York, where the Baseball Hall of Fame’s Class of 2024 will be formally enshrined.
The anticipation surrounding the Hall of Fame ballot, the diverse mix of players, and the intriguing narratives surrounding their careers contribute to the excitement of this annual event in the baseball world. As fans eagerly await the unveiling of the new Hall of Fame class, the announcement on January 23 promises to be a defining moment in the legacy of these players and their impact on the sport.