Baseball HOF induction roundup: Plaques, highlights from 2026 class

Bryan Mcwilliam• ·
COOPERSTOWN, NEW YORK - JULY 26: Inductees, from left, Jeff Kent, Carlos Beltran and Andruw Jones pose for a photograph with their plaques after the Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony at Clark Sports Center on July 26, 2026 in Cooperstown, New York.
Jim McIsaac / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The National Baseball Hall of Fame welcomed its 2026 class on Sunday, as Carlos Beltrán, Andruw Jones, and Jeff Kent were all enshrined in Cooperstown.

Carlos Beltrán

Career WAR: 67.5
Year on ballot: 4th
Percentage of vote: 84.2%
HOF hat: Mets
HOF plaque:

"Switch-hitting powerhouse from Puerto Rico featured rare blend of stellar defense, superior baserunning, keen instinct, and October glory. Named AL Rookie of the Year with Royals in 1999, his first of eight 100-RBI seasons. Consistently rose to the occasion, batting .307/.412/.609 in postseason career, with eight homers in Astros' 2004 run. Earned three Gold Gloves in center field and nine All-Star selections across 20-year career that ended in 2017 as World Series champion. Succeeded in 86.4 percent of stolen base attempts, retiring as the game's most efficient baserunner with at least 300 steals."

Andruw Jones

Career WAR: 67.0
Year on ballot: 9th
Percentage of vote: 78.4%
HOF hat: Braves
HOF plaque:

"Elite defensive center fielder saved runs with his glove while delivering middle-of-the-order power for a Braves team that advanced to the postseason in each year of his first decade in the big leagues. At 19 years old in 1996 debut, Curacao native became youngest player ever to homer in the World Series, hitting a pair in Game 1. From 1998-2007, averaged 35 home runs and better than 100 RBI while earning Gold Glove awards all 10 years. One of only four players with at least 10 Gold Gloves and 400 home runs (434 total)."

Jeff Kent

Contemporary Era Ballot
Career WAR: 56.0
HOF hat: Giants
HOF plaque:

"Record-setting second baseman parlayed intense style of play and relentless drive into new run-producing standards for middle infielders. Earned National League Most Valuable Award in 2000 with .334 batting average, 33 home runs, and 125 RBI. Homered 37 times in 2002 to help Giants to NL pennant. A durable five-time All-Star, he reached the 20-homer mark 12 times and established a new benchmark for career home runs by a second baseman with 377. Produced eight seasons with at least 100 RBI, most ever at the position."

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