Choosing the Ultimate Lineup from the 2024 HOF Ballot

3:32 AM UTC

Get ready, baseball fans: the 2024 Baseball Writers’ Association of America (BBWAA) Hall of Fame ballot has been released, and it’s packed with some truly impressive names that are sure to generate plenty of debate.

While only a select few will ultimately be voted into Cooperstown, it’s still important to acknowledge the incredible careers of each player, many of whom had some truly outstanding seasons.

In fact, the 26-name ballot can be split into two star-studded teams, each with a full nine-man lineup, two starting pitchers, one closer and one bench player, truly showcasing the depth of talent in this year’s class.

So, without further ado, let’s introduce the 2024 All-HOF Ballot first and second teams.

FIRST TEAM

Catcher: Joe Mauer (1st year on ballot)
Mauer may have had to shift positions partway through his career due to concussion issues, but his time behind the plate and his incredible hitting abilities make him a standout choice as a first-year candidate.

First base: Todd Helton (6th year)
With Helton’s surge in vote percentage last time around, it seems likely that this is the year he makes it into the Hall of Fame. His dominance at the plate, even when accounting for Coors Field, makes him a deserving candidate.

Second base: Chase Utley (1st year)
Utley’s impressive advanced metrics and tremendous peak performance years make him a compelling contender, despite his relatively low counting stats.

Third base: Adrián Beltré (1st year)
Beltré’s late-career surge and his incredible WAR stats almost guarantee a first-ballot induction. It’s clear that he made an undeniable impact on the game.

Shortstop: Alex Rodriguez (3rd year)
A-Rod’s on-the-field performance speaks for itself, and his third year on the ballot might just be his lucky break.

Left field: Manny Ramirez (8th year)
Despite the lack of upward movement in his vote percentage, Ramirez’s impact on the game, especially during his peak years, is undeniable.

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