Hall of Fame committee elects Jeff Kent, leaves steroid

ORLANDO, Fla. -- The committee system used to be considered an easier path into the Hall of Fame compared to the writers, who were often stingier with their votes. Perhaps that view should be reconsidered after Sunday’s ballot from the Contemporary Baseball Era Committee .

Second baseman Jeff Kent was the only player elected by the committee from a ballot stuffed with talented players. He’ll be inducted in Cooperstown, N.Y., on July 26, 2026, along with any players selected by the Baseball Writers Association of America next month.

Gary Sheffield, the lone former Detroit Tiger on the committee ballot, received fewer than five votes from the 16-member committee, meaning he isn’t eligible to be considered by the committee again until 2031.

Slugger Barry Bonds and starting pitcher Roger