Carlos Beltrán on the Brink of Cooperstown Immortality

NEW YORK, January 20, 2026 – Carlos Beltrán, whose 20-year career established him as one of the most complete switch-hitters in baseball history, is expected to be elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame today. The announcement, set for 6:00 PM ET on MLB Network, will cap a steady climb in voting support for the former center fielder, whose candidacy was once clouded by his involvement in the Houston Astros’ 2017 sign-stealing scandal.

A Career Built for Cooperstown

Beltrán’s statistical resume is quintessential Hall of Fame material. Over two decades with seven teams, most notably the Kansas City Royals, New York Mets, and Houston Astros, he compiled a rare blend of power and speed. A nine-time All-Star, he finished his career with 2,725 hits, 435 home runs, 1,587 RBIs, and 312 stolen bases. He is one of only five players in MLB history with at least 500 doubles, 400 home runs, and 300 steals, joining the company of Willie Mays, Barry Bonds, Andre Dawson, and Alex Rodriguez.

His postseason prowess further burnished his legacy. In 65 playoff games, Beltrán hit .307 with a 1.021 OPS, smashing 16 home runs and driving in 42 runs. His 2004 postseason with the Astros, where he hit eight home runs, remains one of the most dominant October performances ever witnessed.

Key Career Statistics & Accolades

Overcoming the Shadow of Scandal

Beltrán’s path to Cooperstown was not straightforward. In the final season of his career, he was a veteran presence on the 2017 Houston Astros team that implemented an illegal, technology-aided sign-stealing scheme. A subsequent MLB investigation named Beltrán as a central figure in the scandal. The fallout cost him his newly hired job as manager of the New York Mets before he ever managed a game.

This association initially slowed his Hall of Fame momentum. In his first year on the ballot in 2023, he received just 46.5% of the vote. However, support has grown each year, reaching 57.1% in 2024 and 70.3% in 2025. According to Ryan Thibodaux’s Hall of Fame ballot tracker, Beltrán’s public support this year has soared to approximately 89%, indicating a likely comfortable victory over the required 75% threshold.

Many voters have publicly stated that while they condemn the cheating, Beltrán’s on-field accomplishments over a 20-year career—largely uncompromised by the scandal—warrant enshrinement. “I consider that punishment meted,” wrote Ken Rosenthal of *The Athletic*, referencing Beltrán’s lost managerial opportunity.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the Hall of Fame results be announced?

The Baseball Writers’ Association of America (BBWAA) voting results for the Class of 2026 will be announced live on MLB Network at 6:00 PM Eastern Time on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.

What percentage of the vote is needed for election?

A candidate must be named on 75% of ballots submitted by qualified BBWAA members to gain election to the Hall of Fame.

Which team’s cap would Beltrán wear on his Hall of Fame plaque?

While the Hall of Fame ultimately decides in consultation with the player, Beltrán has previously indicated he would choose to wear a New York Mets cap. He played his prime years (2005-2011) in Queens, making five All-Star teams and accumulating 31.1 of his career WAR with the Mets.

Who else is likely to be elected with Beltrán?

Former Atlanta Braves center fielder Andruw Jones is also tracking well above the 75% threshold in pre-announcement polling and is considered a near-lock for election. Second baseman Jeff Kent was elected last month via the Contemporary Era Committee and will be inducted alongside any BBWAA electees on July 26, 2026, in Cooperstown, New York.