Carlos Delgado, Don Mattingly among eight players featured on 2026 HOF Contemporary Era ballot

"Chances are, neither will likely reach the required 75 per cent this time around, either, due to their alleged past involvement with PEDs. Delgado, a two-time All-Star and three-time Silver Slugger, spent 12 seasons with the Blue Jays from 1993 to 2004 and remains the franchise's all-time leader in home runs (336), RBIs (1,058) and SLG (.556). He also ranks second in total games played (1,423) and third in fWAR (34.7)."

"Each of those eight candidates must receive at least 75 per cent of the votes - the same as the regular Hall of Fame voting process - from the 16-member committee to be inducted into Cooperstown. The voting results will be announced during MLB Network's broadcast on Dec. 7 at 7:30 p.m. ET. Most of the attention will undoubtedly revolve around Bonds and Clemens, neither of whom received the necessary"

"Mattingly, of course, was one of the best hitters of his generation in the 1980s, winning three Silver Slugger Awards, a batting title in '84, and an AL MVP Award in '85. He also led the league in hits twice ('84, '86) and finished with a career batting average of .307. The six-time All-Star is probably best known for his elite defence, though, as evidenced by his nine career Gold Gloves across his 14-year career - all with the"

The National Baseball Hall of Fame named eight candidates for the Contemporary Era ballot: Carlos Delgado, Don Mattingly, Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, Jeff Kent, Dale Murphy, Gary Sheffield and Fernando Valenzuela. Each candidate must receive at least 75 percent of votes from a 16-member committee for induction. The committee will announce results during MLB Network's broadcast on Dec. 7 at 7:30 p.m. ET. Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens are expected to draw the most attention after failing to reach 75 percent on the traditional ballot and facing alleged PED involvement. Carlos Delgado spent 12 seasons with Toronto and leads the franchise in home runs, RBIs and slugging. Don Mattingly was an elite 1980s hitter with a .307 career average and nine Gold Gloves.

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