![Derek Jeter will be eligible for the first time in 2020. [Image Source: Flickr | robert2427]](https://staticr1.blastingcdn.com/media/photogallery/2019/7/22/660x290/b_502x220x82/derek-jeter-will-be-eligible-for-the-first-time-in-2020-image-source-flickr-robert2427_2298593.jpg "Derek Jeter will be eligible for the first time in 2020. [Image Source: Flickr | robert2427]")
Sunday was the 2019 Baseball Hall of Fame Ceremony which celebrated the induction of six new players: Mariano Rivera, Roy Halladay, Edgar Martinez, Mike Mussina, Lee Smith, and Harold Baines.
After Derek Jeter, the list of players who will be eligible for the first time in 2020 doesn’t seem to include anyone else who will be close to be elected on the first-ballot (players such as Bobby Abreu, Jason Giambi, Josh Beckett, Paul Konerko, and Alfonso Soriano).
Here are eight players (seven who have been previously eligible) and some of their accolades during their career which could help build a case. Not included are Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens. Everyone knows their numbers are awe-inspiring, it’s just a matter of what side you are on as to whether PED users should get in.
Remember 75 percent of the vote is needed to be inducted. For the seven players other than Jeter, their voting percentage is given for the 2019 ballot.
Derek Jeter - Yankees (1995-2014)
Jeter’s historic 20-year career with the Yankees saw him as a member of five World Series-winning teams, make 14 All-Star teams, and win five Gold Gloves and Silver Sluggers. He finished with 3,465 hits (sixth all-time) and 1,923 runs (11th all-time). He’s getting in on his first ballot, it’s just a matter of who will be joining him.
Curt Schilling - Orioles (1988-90), Astros (1991), Phillies (1992-2000), Diamondbacks (2000-03), Red Sox (2004-07)
One of the great postseason pitchers of all-time (11-2, 2.23 ERA in 19 starts), Schilling received 60.9 percent of the votes in his seventh year on the ballot. Unfortunately for him, some controversial statements he has made may be keeping him out. He was a World Series MVP, three-time World Series winner, and his 3,116 career strikeouts rank 15th all-time.
Larry Walker - Expos (1988-94), Rockies (1995-2004), Cardinals (2004-05)
n his ninth year on the ballot, Walker garnered 54.6 percent of the votes. The 1997 NL MVP won three batting crowns, seven Gold Gloves, and three Silver Sluggers. While his numbers may be Hall of Fame worthy (.313 career average with a .965 OPS), voters may punish him for playing his home games at Coors Field for 9.5 of his 17 seasons.
Omar Vizquel - Mariners (1989-93), Indians (1994-2004), Giants (2005-08), Rangers (2009), White Sox (2010-11), Blue Jays (2012)
Vizquel received 42.8 percent of the votes in his second year on the ballot. According to Infoplease, Vizquel’s 11 Gold Gloves at shortstop are second-most behind Ozzie Smith’s 13. He ended up with 2,877 hits and 404 steals in his career.
Jeff Kent - Blue Jays (1992), Mets (1992-96), Indians (1996), Giants (1997-2002), Astros (2003-04), Dodgers (2005-08)
In what was his sixth year of eligibility, Kent received a vote on 18.1 percent of the ballots. According to Baseball-Almanac, his 351 homers while playing second base are the most in MLB history (hit 377 altogether). He was the 2000 NL MVP, won four Silver Sluggers, and drove in 1,518 runs.
Scott Rolen - Phillies (1996-2002), Cardinals (2002-07), Blue Jays (2008-09), Reds (2009-12)
Rolen obtained 17.2 percent of votes in his second year on the ballot. Outstanding in the field, he won eight Gold Gloves at third base. He was no slouch at the plate either as evidenced by his 316 home runs, 517 doubles, and .855 OPS.
Billy Wagner - Astros (1995-2003), Phillies (2004-05), Mets (2006-09), Red Sox (2009), Braves (2010)
Easily one of the most dominant closers of all-time, Wagner received 16.7 percent of votes in his fourth year on the ballot. Both his career ERA (2.31) and WHIP (1.00) better that of Trevor Hoffman who was elected in 2018. Wagner made seven All-Star teams and his 422 saves are sixth-most in MLB history.
Todd Helton - Rockies (1997-2013)
In his first year on the ballot, Helton received 16.5 percent of the votes. Much like Walker, voters are skeptical to elect players who saw their home games at Coors Field (in Helton’s case, for his entire career). He hit over .300 for 10 straight years from 1998-2007 and finished his career with a .316 batting average, .414 on-base percentage, and .539 slugging percentage.
