### New Faces in Cooperstown: Hamels, Braun, and Kemp Join Hall of Fame Ballot The Baseball Hall of Fame has unveiled its 2026 ballot, featuring 12 newcomers, including notable players Cole Hamels, Ryan Braun, and Matt Kemp. This year's ballot also sees Carlos Beltrán leading 15 holdover candidates after narrowly missing induction in 2025, where he fell just 19 votes short. The voting results will be announced on January 20, 2026, with the induction ceremony scheduled for July 26, 2026. This year's ballot is particularly significant as it includes players with varied legacies, including those linked to performance-enhancing drugs and the infamous Astros sign-stealing scandal, which has added layers of scrutiny to the voting process [https://www.nwaonline.com/news/2025/nov/18/hamels-braun-among-newcomers-on-ballot][https://apnews.com/article/hall-fame-ballot-hamels-braun-kemp-beltran-9c6746eca3d2290b4ecea7820a1cf200]. ### Structure of the Hall of Fame Ballot Overview 1. **Newcomers to the Ballot** - Cole Hamels, Ryan Braun, and Matt Kemp are highlighted as first-time candidates. - Other first-time eligibles include Howie Kendrick and Daniel Murphy. 2. **Holdover Candidates** - Carlos Beltrán leads the holdover group, having received 70.3% of the votes in 2025. - Other notable holdovers include Alex Rodriguez and Manny Ramirez, both of whom have been associated with steroid controversies. 3. **Voting and Induction Timeline** - Ballots are due by December 31, 2025. - Results will be announced on January 20, 2026, with the induction ceremony set for July 26, 2026. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Newcomers**: - Cole Hamels: 163 wins, 3.43 ERA, four-time All-Star [https://chicago.suntimes.com/mlb/2025/11/17/cole-hamels-among-12-newcomers-on-baseball-hall-of-fame-ballot]. - Ryan Braun: Known for his offensive prowess and past MVP award. - Matt Kemp: Two-time All-Star with significant contributions to his teams. - **Holdover Candidates**: - Carlos Beltrán: 70.3% of votes in 2025, nine-time All-Star, linked to the Astros' sign-stealing scandal [https://apnews.com/article/hall-fame-ballot-hamels-braun-kemp-beltran-9c6746eca3d2290b4ecea7820a1cf200]. - Alex Rodriguez and Manny Ramirez: Both have faced scrutiny due to their connections to performance-enhancing drugs. ### Summary of the Hall of Fame Ballot Insights 1. **New Candidates**: The inclusion of Cole Hamels, Ryan Braun, and Matt Kemp adds excitement to the ballot, as they bring diverse careers and achievements. 2. **Beltrán's Leadership**: Carlos Beltrán's near-miss in 2025 places him at the forefront of the holdover candidates, raising questions about the impact of his scandal on his candidacy. 3. **Voting Process**: The upcoming voting timeline is crucial, with ballots due by December 31, 2025, and results to be revealed on January 20, 2026. In conclusion, the 2026 Hall of Fame ballot presents a mix of new talent and seasoned players, each with their own narratives that will influence the voting process. The scrutiny surrounding certain candidates, particularly those with controversial pasts, will likely shape the discussions leading up to the induction ceremony [https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/hallfame/2025/11/17/baseball-hall-of-fame-2026-candidates/87320200007][https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6804292/2025/11/17/baseball-hall-of-fame-first-time-ballot-2026].