Former Toronto Blue Jays pitcher enters 6th year on Hall of Fame ballot
Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
The 2026 Hall of Fame ballot contains a relatively weak batch of first-timers. That could bode well for some returning players.
One such player is Mark Buehrle.
The former pitcher for the Chicago White Sox, Miami Marlins, and Toronto Blue Jays, is entering his sixth year on the BBWAA and will have a good chance to improve his standing.
Upon retirement, players are placed on the ballot five years after their last game. 75% is needed for induction, while at least 5% is needed to remain on the ballot.
Buehrle's numbers have been up-and-down in his five previous years on the ballot, but. never garnering more than 15%.
Mark Buehrle should get into the Hall of Fame this year.
The pure longevity is something special that is going away in today's game
The pure longevity is something special that is going away in today's game
Last year he collected about 11.4% as the baseball writers elected CC Sabathia, Ichiro Suzuki, and Billy Wagner to the Hall of Fame.
Given the relatively weak incoming class, Buehrle could see his numbers increase in 2026.
He's always been borderline case at best, and even Buehrle himself doesn't think he's worthy of election.
However, many new school, analytically-minded voters react more positively to Buehrle than the traditionalists.
Buehrle has similar numbers to Pettitte, but not the vote totals
One contemporary that Buehrle is often compared to is fellow pitcher Andy Pettitte.
While the Yankees legend has received more love - garnering nearly 28% of the vote last year - the two pitchers have similar numbers.
While Pettitte holds the edge in the majority of categories, Buehrle has a lower ERA, WHIP; doing so in slightly fewer games and innings pitched.
He also four Gold Gloves to Pettitte's none and his career 59 WAR is just below Pettitte's number - and the Hall of Fame standard - of 60.
While Buehrle is unlikely to be elected this year, that honour should fall to Carlos Beltran and Andru Jones he has appeared on 25% of the known ballots so far.
Hopefully, he sees an increase in vote percentage.
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NOVEMBRE 29 | 571 ANSWERS Former Toronto Blue Jays pitcher enters 6th year on Hall of Fame ballot How will Makr Buehrle do this year in the BBWAA Hall of Fame voting | ||
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