Beltrán, Jones and Kent Prepare for Hall of Fame Enshrinement After Different Paths to Cooperstown

Carlos Beltrán will enter the Baseball Hall of Fame on Sunday, fulfilling a prediction made by Kansas City Royals legend George Brett more than two decades ago. During a 1999 Cooperstown visit, Brett introduced the then-untested prospect to Hall of Famer Orlando Cepeda as “the next Hall of Famer from Puerto Rico,” a declaration that initially struck Beltrán as premature.

The nine-time All-Star outfielder recalled Brett’s encouragement about life’s possibilities, advice that proved prophetic as the career unfolded. Beltrán spent 20 major league seasons with five teams, including seven years each with the Kansas City Royals and New York Mets, before earning election in his fourth ballot attempt with 84.2% of the vote from the Baseball Writers’ Association of America.

Andruw Jones joins Beltrán for Sunday’s ceremony after securing 78.4% support in his ninth year of eligibility on the same ballot. The former Atlanta Braves center fielder nearly fell short permanently in 2018 when he garnered just 7.3% of the vote, barely surpassing the 5% threshold needed to remain on the ballot. His eventual success rests largely on his extraordinary defensive resume, highlighted by 10 consecutive Gold Gloves between 1998 and 2007.

Jeff Kent followed a separate route to enshrinement after failing to reach the required 75% threshold during his 10 years of BBWAA eligibility. The 2000 National League MVP was elected in December 2025 by the Contemporary Baseball Era Committee, a smaller panel that considered his five All-Star selections and career achievements as a second baseman.

Kent reflected on conversations with fellow Hall of Famers throughout the weekend, noting their genuine recognition of his accomplishments. The remarks from enshrined players, combined with their visible sincerity, allowed Kent to finally accept his place among baseball’s greatest players.