Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens learn fate as new Hall Fame member announced

Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens must wait years to be voted on again

Kent, who plateaued at 46.5% in his final year on the BBWAA ballot in 2022, received votes from 14 of the 16 ballots. Carlos Delgado was the closest to joining Kent, getting nine votes. Don Mattingly and Dale Murphy received six. Bonds, Clemens, Gary Sheffield and Fernando Valenzuela each received fewer than five votes and are not eligible to be voted on in the next cycle, meaning this group must wait until 2031 to be considered again. If any of those four again fall below five votes in 2031, they will not be on any future ballots.

During his 17 seasons, in which he played for six teams, Kent hit 377 homers, including 351 at a position not known for power. He also drove in 100 or more runs eight or more times, the most among second basemen. Kent also had 1,518 RBI, fifth-most among players who primarily played at second base or shortstop.

Kent was a 20th-round draft choice out of Cal in 1989 by the Toronto Blue Jays. He was traded during his MLB debut season of 1992 to the New York Mets in the David Cone deal that helped the Jays win their first World Series, then shipped to Cleveland at the 1996 trade deadline. That same December, he was moved again, this time going to the Giants. That is where his career blossomed.

During his six seasons with the Giants, Kent slashed .297/.368/.535 with 175 homers and 689 RBIs.

The Contemporary Baseball Era Players ballot was comprised of players whose primary contribution to the sport came since 1980. The BBWAA's vote on the Class of 2026 will be announced on Jan. 20.