Bryan Hoch, a baseball writer based in New York, shared his reasoning for his 2026 National Baseball Hall of Fame ballot. In his first year voting, Hoch emphasized the importance and responsibility he feels as part of the selection process. He described the Hall as more than just a collection of plaques, but as a representation of those who have shaped baseball’s history.
Hoch explained that he approached this year’s Baseball Writers’ Association of America (BBWAA) ballot with significant research into both player statistics and their impact on the game. “You may not agree with every selection, and that’s fine. The Hall of Fame has never been about unanimity (unless you’re Mariano Rivera). It’s a museum that should highlight excellence, impact and meaning,” Hoch wrote.
He noted the influence of legendary broadcaster Vin Scully on his perspective: “I kept recalling Vin Scully’s remark that statistics should be used ‘for support, not illumination.’ He was right. Numbers are part of the story, not the whole thing.”
Among Hoch’s selections were Carlos Beltrán, Andy Pettitte, Manny Ramirez, and Alex Rodriguez. Addressing concerns over performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs), Hoch stated that while there is uncertainty over who used PEDs and to what extent, he supports including players like Ramirez and Rodriguez in the Hall. “No one will forget. The Hall should tell the full story of the era,” he wrote.
Regarding Beltrán’s involvement in the Houston Astros’ sign-stealing scandal and Pettitte’s admission to HGH use, Hoch acknowledged these issues but felt their achievements still merited consideration for induction.
Other players selected by Hoch included Bobby Abreu, Andruw Jones, Chase Utley, Mark Buehrle, Cole Hamels, and Félix Hernández. He discussed Abreu’s underappreciated career numbers and plate discipline; Jones’ exceptional defense; Utley’s peak years; Buehrle’s durability; Hamels’ postseason success; and Hernández’s dominance despite pitching for non-contending teams.
Hoch also considered other candidates such as Dustin Pedroia, Jimmy Rollins, Omar Vizquel, and David Wright but ultimately chose pitchers like Buehrle due to shifting expectations for starting pitchers.
In closing his explanation, Hoch predicted that only one or two from his list—possibly Beltrán or Jones—would be elected in January 2026 but expressed eagerness for future debates on Hall of Fame worthiness.
