Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens Fall Short in Hall of Fame Vote; Pete Rose Eligible in 2027
The National Baseball Hall of Fame's voting process has seen several key developments. Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens, both tainted by the steroid era, fell short of the required votes. Meanwhile, Pete Rose, the all-time hits leader, is set to appear on the ballot for the first time in December 2027, following his reinstatement by MLB in 2025.
The BBWAA ballot saw a mix of results. Fred McGriff was unanimously elected with 16 votes, while Albert Belle, Rafael Palmeiro, and Curt Schilling were dropped. Gary Sheffield received 63.9% in his final vote, falling short by 43 votes. Bonds and Clemens received 66% and 65.2% respectively, failing to reach the 75% threshold. The contemporary era committee, meeting next on December 7 in Orlando, will consider Bonds, Clemens, Don Mattingly, and Dale Murphy, among others. Carlos Delgado, Jeff Kent, Gary Sheffield, and Fernando Valenzuela will join the ballot in December. Any candidate receiving fewer than five votes will be ineligible for the next cycle, with a second such appearance resulting in permanent ineligibility.
The Hall of Fame process continues to evolve, with Pete Rose's eligibility in 2027 marking a significant shift. The next inductees, including any MLB games selections, will be honored on July 26. The voting criteria and candidate eligibility remain strict, ensuring the prestige of the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
