[cgjackson222]

Originally Posted by dgo71

There will definitely* be some new names the next time the Contemporary Baseball Era Committee meets. Since Clemens, Bonds, Sheffield and Valenzuela all received less than 5 votes, they aren't eligible for consideration the next time their era comes up for voting in 2028. This means the earliest they can re-appear on the ballot is 2031. If they receive fewer than five votes on THAT go around (or any subsequent vote, if they somehow aren't on the ballot in 2031, or get more than 5 but aren't elected), they are no longer eligible to appear on ANY future ballot.

*This all assumes the HOF doesn't change their rules for the umpty-millionth time. The committee process has undergone several changes in the last 10-20 years so I wouldn't be shocked if the process didn't look completely different once again in a few years.

So, 2028 should see some new names on the ballot. Mattingly and Murphy will be eligible once again and I won't be surprised to see them on the ballot given how that process has gone. Possibly Delgado as well, leaving five open spots for fresh names. Hopefully Evans, Whitaker and Lofton are three of those names.

That's great that we are guaranteed at least 5 new names in 2028. Let's hope they trot out Steve Garvey or one of the other guys that has had so many chances already.