Over the next five years, the Baseball Hall of Fame ballots will feature several notable players, each with distinct prospects for induction.

As a collector, I follow this list when considering new additions to my personal collection.

Here’s an overview of the upcoming ballots and the players to watch:

2026 Ballot:

• Cole Hamels: The left-handed pitcher, a six-time All-Star and 2008 World Series MVP, retired in August 2023. His candidacy is intriguing due to his postseason success and consistent performance.
• Ryan Braun: A six-time All-Star and 2011 NL MVP, Braun’s career was marred by a 2013 PED suspension. His candidacy may face challenges due to these controversies.
• Joe Nathan (Closer): A 6-time All-Star and one of the best closers of his era, with over 400 saves, Nathan’s candidacy will rely on the importance of the closer role.
• Tim Hudson (Starting pitcher): A 3-time All-Star and a key figure in the Braves’ pitching staff for years, Hudson’s career spans 17 seasons with over 200 wins.
• Carlos Beltrán (Outfielder): A 9-time Gold Glove winner and 4-time All-Star, Beltrán’s combination of offensive and defensive skills, along with his postseason performances, make him a Hall of Fame contender. His involvement in the Astros’ sign-stealing scandal, however, might impact his voting.
• Ryan Howard (First baseman): A 2006 NL MVP and 2008 World Series champion, Howard’s peak years were incredible, as he hit 58 home runs in 2006 and amassed 382 career home runs. His case could be hurt by his later career decline, but his early dominance could help.
• Andre Ethier (Outfielder): A consistent hitter for the Dodgers with over 1,400 career hits and solid offensive production. While he lacks major accolades, his strong offensive numbers may keep him in the conversation.

2027 Ballot:

• Adrian Beltre: A four-time Gold Glove winner and 3,000-hit club member, Beltre’s defensive prowess and offensive consistency make him a strong candidate.
• David Ortiz: A 10-time All-Star and three-time World Series champion, Ortiz’s postseason heroics and leadership are key aspects of his Hall of Fame case.
• Curtis Granderson (Outfielder): A 3-time All-Star and the 2007 Silver Slugger, Granderson’s consistent power and leadership make him an interesting candidate, especially with his high career WAR for an outfielder.
• Matt Holliday (Outfielder): A 7-time All-Star and a key contributor to the Rockies and Cardinals, Holliday’s solid offensive numbers (including over 2,000 hits and a career .319 batting average) bolster his candidacy.
• Troy Tulowitzki (Shortstop): A two-time Gold Glove winner and five-time All-Star, Tulowitzki was one of the most dynamic shortstops of his era, known for his bat and elite defense. Injuries shortened his career, but he was dominant in his prime.
• Michael Cuddyer (Outfielder/First baseman): A solid hitter with over 1,700 career hits and a 2014 NL batting title. Cuddyer might be a long shot but could receive support for his versatility and offensive production.

2028 Ballot:

• Ichiro Suzuki (Outfielder): Ichiro’s Hall of Fame induction is a given, as he’s one of the greatest hitters of all time, finishing his MLB career with over 3,000 hits and over 4,000 combined hits when including his Japanese career. His influence in the MLB is undeniable, making him a no-doubt Hall of Fame candidate.
• Matt Cain (Pitcher): A key part of the Giants’ three World Series championships in five years, Cain was a 3-time All-Star and one of the more consistent pitchers of the 2010s. However, his career numbers (like wins and ERA) aren’t as eye-popping as other pitchers.
• Joe Mauer: A three-time batting champion and 2009 AL MVP, Mauer’s career was distinguished by his exceptional hitting and defensive skills as a catcher.
• Prince Fielder: A six-time All-Star and two-time home run leader, Fielder’s power-hitting and consistent performance are notable.
• Carlos Zambrano (Pitcher): A fiery, dominant pitcher at his peak, Zambrano made three All-Star appearances and led the Cubs’ pitching staff for years. However, his inconsistency and controversies may hurt his chances.
• Jayson Werth (Outfielder): A key part of the Phillies’ 2008 World Series championship, Werth’s combination of power and patience at the plate could earn him votes, though he may fall short of induction.

2029 Ballot:

• Adrian Gonzalez: A four-time Gold Glove winner and 2008 Gold Glove recipient, Gonzalez’s defensive excellence and offensive contributions are significant.
• Mark Teixeira: A five-time Gold Glove winner and 2009 World Series champion, Teixeira’s defensive prowess and power-hitting are key aspects of his career.
• Bobby Abreu (Outfielder): Known for his balance of power, speed, and plate discipline, Abreu’s career WAR (60+) and ability to get on base could make him a strong candidate.
• Shane Victorino (Outfielder): A two-time Gold Glove winner and key part of the Phillies’ 2008 championship team, Victorino’s solid all-around game will have him in the conversation, though he may be on the borderline.
• Mark Buehrle (Pitcher): A 5-time Gold Glove winner and 4-time All-Star, Buehrle was known for his consistency and durability. He threw a perfect game in 2009 and helped the White Sox win a World Series in 2005, but his career WAR (less than 50) may make him a fringe candidate.
• Ben Zobrist (Utility player): A two-time World Series champion and one of the best utility players of his era, Zobrist’s ability to play multiple positions while maintaining strong offensive numbers makes him an intriguing candidate.

2030 Ballot:

• Robinson Cano: An eight-time All-Star and two-time Gold Glove winner, Cano’s offensive consistency and defensive skills are noteworthy.
• James Shields: A two-time All-Star and 2011 AL wins leader, Shields’ durability and leadership are significant.
• Justin Morneau (First baseman): A 2006 AL MVP and four-time All-Star, Morneau’s career was marked by power and batting average. His Hall of Fame case is mostly reliant on his MVP season and solid career numbers.
• David Price (Pitcher): A former AL Cy Young winner and 3-time All-Star, Price’s postseason success with the Red Sox and long career could keep him in the conversation.
• Cliff Lee (Pitcher): A 5-time All-Star and 2008 AL Cy Young Award winner, Lee was one of the most dominant pitchers in the game for a few years. His career WAR (over 50) and postseason success may keep him in the conversation for induction.
• Johnny Damon (Outfielder): A key part of the Red Sox’ 2004 World Series championship and a long and successful career with over 2,700 hits and 400 stolen bases, Damon’s candidacy will likely center on his consistent production and speed.

These players represent a mix of first-time candidates and returning players, each with unique cases for induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame.