The 2026 Baseball Hall of Fame debutants look very underwhelming

Several candidates made their marks in MLB history. Outfielder Ryan Braun was the 2011 NL MVP but destroyed his candidacy via his PED use and his accusations that the person administering the failed test was an anti-semite. While he did apologize, the damage had been done both to his reputation.

Outfielder Shin-Soo Choo holds a unique place in MLB history. His 34.6 bWAR is the highest of any player born in South Korea. Choo spent 16 years in the majors before joining the SSG Landers in the Korean Baseball Organization, retiring after the 2024 season. While Choo was a trailblazer for South Korean position players, his career was not close to Hall of Fame caliber.

Outfielder Alex Gordon was one of the leaders of the Royals playoff teams in 2014 and 2015. While he never lived up to his status as the No. 2 pick in the 2005 MLB Draft, Gordon was a solid power and speed threat in his prime. He shined defensively, his eight Gold Gloves the most of any left fielder. Gordon saved 119 runs in left, the third most in MLB history.

If any first year player will be inducted, pitcher Cole Hamels may have the best chance. His 59.0 bWAR is 11.9 higher than Braun. A four-time All-Star, Hamels was at his best in the 2008 postseason, winning the NLCS and World Series MVP awards, one of nine players to win both awards in the same year. 

While win totals are no longer a highly regarded metric of pitching success, Hamels' 163 wins would be the third fewest of any pitcher inducted as a starter who did not pitch in the Negro Leagues. His candidacy could be a litmus test for future starting pitchers on the ballot.

The BBWAA elected three players for the Class of 2025, including two players on the ballot for the first time. That is not likely to be the case in 2026.