David Wright Gains Momentum in Hall of Fame Voting

David Wright’s candidacy for the Baseball Hall of Fame is starting to capture the attention of voters, evidenced by a significant increase in his voting percentage. As the official tallies for the 2026 Hall of Fame class were released, Wright secured 14.8% of the vote—an impressive leap from 8.1% in 2025.

Key Highlights from Recent Voting

• Carlos Beltrán and Andruw Jones have been elected into the Hall of Fame after surpassing the crucial 75% threshold needed for induction.

• In his first year of eligibility, Wright garnered only 6.2% of the votes, making his current rise notable.

• Historical trends suggest that candidates have a 10-year window to remain on the ballot as long as they receive at least 5% of the votes each year.

Past Voting Patterns

• Andruw Jones experienced a similar trajectory in his voting journey, starting with only 7.3% in his first year before climbing to election in his ninth year on the ballot.

• Scott Rolen, another third baseman, began with just 10.2% in his first year but was ultimately elected in his sixth appearance.

Career Insights and Challenges

Wright’s illustrious career, once on a clear path toward the Hall of Fame, was hindered by injuries, particularly spinal stenosis. This condition forced him to retire before he could complete his eight-year contract with the New York Mets.

David Wright speaks with the media ahead of his number retirement on July 19, 2025. (Image Credit: Jason Szenes / New York Post)

Noteworthy Hall of Fame Candidates

• Carlos Beltrán has become the sixth Hall of Famer to emerge from Puerto Rico, joining the ranks of legendary players like Roberto Clemente and Edgar Martinez.

• Manny Ramirez, in his final attempt on the ballot, received 38.8% of the vote. His candidacy was affected by previous suspensions for performance-enhancing drugs.

• Félix Hernández, in his second year on the ballot, achieved 46.1%. Historically, every candidate with over 43% in their second year has eventually been elected.

Upcoming 2027 and 2028 Candidates

Looking toward the future, the 2027 ballot will introduce notable first-time candidates, including:

• Buster Posey
• Jay Bruce
• Jon Lester
• Kyle Seager

Following that, the 2028 ballot will welcome all-time greats such as:

• Albert Pujols
• Yadier Molina
• David Price
• Stephen Strasburg

For further details on Hall of Fame voting trends and the significance of past candidates, you can visit MLB.com and their comprehensive voting sections.

As the voting process continues, every new percentage point is critical for Wright and other candidates. The next few years could be pivotal for their legacy in one of baseball’s most prestigious honors.