Beltrán, Jones and Kent inducted into Baseball Hall of Fame

Carlos Beltrán, Andruw Jones, and Jeff Kent were inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown on Sunday, July 26, 2026. The three former stars received baseball's highest honor during a ceremony that highlighted their careers and contributions to the sport.

The induction affects the legacies of the three players and the teams they represented. Beltrán played for the Mets, Astros, and other clubs; Jones starred for the Braves; and Kent was a standout for the Giants and Dodgers. Their enshrinement also impacts fans and the baseball community, as each player's journey to Cooperstown included unique challenges.

This matters because Beltrán's induction comes after years of being linked to the Houston Astros' sign-stealing scandal, which some viewed as a stain on his career. Jones, a defensive legend, finally earned induction after years of falling short on ballots. Kent, a power-hitting second baseman, secured his place as one of the best at his position.

Beltrán received 70.1% of the vote in his final year of eligibility, Jones got 68.2%, and Kent earned 67.4%. The Hall of Fame class of 2026 also includes executives and Negro Leagues figures honored earlier. The ceremony took place at the Clark Sports Center in Cooperstown, New York.

Beltrán was a nine-time All-Star and 2017 World Series champion with the Astros, but his role in the team's illegal sign-stealing system led to him being fired as Mets manager before managing a game. Jones, a 10-time Gold Glove winner, hit 434 home runs and was a five-time All-Star. Kent, the 2000 National League MVP, hit 377 homers, the most ever by a second baseman.

Looking ahead, the three inductees will have their plaques unveiled in the Hall of Fame gallery. Their enshrinement closes a chapter for Beltrán, who was often criticized for the scandal, and solidifies the legacies of Jones and Kent as all-time greats.