2024 Hall of Fame Predictions

By Robby Posio

Getting elected into the MLB Hall of Fame is the most coveted feat that every ballplayer hopes to accomplish. Cooperstown prides itself on its exclusivity. There have been a few years where nobody was elected into the Hall. However, there are a few great players on the ballot who should definitely get in. Here are my predictions:

No Brainer

ADRIÁN BELTRÉ

Beltre’s first year on the ballot should be his last. He is the only player on the ballot that has a guaranteed spot in Cooperstown. 

Beltre played 21 years in the MLB for the Dodgers, Mariners, and Rangers. He is one of few players to have over 3000 career hits and 450 home runs. Additionally, he is a five-time Gold Glove Award winner at third base, four-time All-Star and four-time Silver Slugger Award winner. 

The only players to not get into the Hall of Fame with this track record are proven cheaters. Since Beltre’s background is squeaky clean, he should start picking out his outfit for the induction ceremony in July. 

Via Gregg Fiume

Should Get in This Year

TODD HELTON 

Six years on the ballot is far too long for a player like Todd Helton. Among the players returning to the BBWAA ballot, Todd Helton received votes on 72.2 percent of all ballots cast in 2023 which is only 2.8% lower than 75% of votes it takes to get in.

Helton accumulated 61.8 WAR over a 17 year career. The lifelong Rockie received five All-Star appearances, three Gold Gloves, four Silver Sluggers, and won the Batting Title in 2000. 

Considering he was extremely close last year, I would be surprised if the BWAA excluded him again. 

Via Karl Gehrig

Might Get in This Year 

BILLY WAGNER 

It's no secret that the BWAA is reluctant to induct closers into the Hall of Fame. There are currently only 3 closers in Cooperstown, two of which were inducted within the last 10 years. However, this is his 9th year on the ballot and the voters may decide to finally let him in. 

He had a 16-season career with the Astros, Phillies, Mets, Red Sox, and Braves. As a left-handed reliever, he recorded 422 career saves, ranking second among lefties and sixth overall. Wagner's career WHIP of 0.998 is the lowest among retired relievers with at least 700 innings pitched.

If Wagner doesn’t get in this year, there may not be another closer inducted into Cooperstown for the foreseeable future. 

Via Al Tielmans

ANDRUW JONES

Andruw Jones received 58.1% of votes  in his 6th year on the ballot. Although he needs to make a big jump, it's possible that Jones will be heading to Cooperstown this summer. 

Jones played a 17-season career with the Braves, Dodgers, Rangers, White Sox, and Yankees. Notably, he was a five-time All-Star, earning Gold Glove Awards 10 times in center field. With a career featuring 434 home runs, he led the NL in home runs in 2005 with 51.

Jones is far from a lock to make the Hall of Fame this year but his time is coming soon. 

Via Gregory Smith

Cheater, Cheater, Pumpkin Eaters 

Álex Rodríguez, Manny Ramírez, Andy Pettitte, and Carlos Beltran

The sole obstacle preventing each of these players from entering the Hall of Fame is their involvement in a cheating scandal. If we eliminate the controversy surrounding each of these players, they would all be in legit contention for a spot in the Hall of Fame. However, if Barry Bonds didn’t get inducted due to his PED usage, Pettitte, Rodríguez, and Ramírez don’t have a chance. 

Beltran is the only player in this section that has a chance because his scandal was not related to PEDs. However, he is the first player from the 2017 Astros to make the ballot and it’s unclear if the voters will let anyone from that team in.