(COOPERSTOWN, NY.)-Carlos Beltrán’s journey to the National Baseball Hall of Fame showed steady momentum across three election cycles, receiving support from 46.5% of voters initially in 2023, followed by 57.1% in 2024, and finally 70.3% in his successful third attempt. While his involvement in Houston’s 2017 sign-stealing controversy—which occurred during his final season as a player—may have initially influenced voter perceptions, his two-decade body of work across seven franchises (Kansas City, Houston, New York Mets, San Francisco, St. Louis, New York Yankees, and Texas) ultimately earned the Puerto Rican outfielder baseball’s premier individual achievement.
Beltrán’s major league career began with distinction when he captured AL Rookie of the Year honors with Kansas City in 1999. He proceeded to accumulate nine All-Star selections, three Gold Glove Awards, and two Silver Slugger trophies during his time patrolling center field. His championship résumé includes a World Series title with the Astros in 2017 and an NL pennant with St. Louis in 2013.
The switch-hitter’s rare blend of offensive capabilities placed him in elite company—one of just five players in major league history to accumulate 500-plus doubles (565), 400-plus home runs (435), and 300-plus stolen bases (312). His companions in this exclusive group include Willie Mays, Andre Dawson, Barry Bonds, and Alex Rodriguez.
Beltrán’s offensive consistency is further evidenced by his 1,582 runs scored and 1,587 RBIs, making him one of only 38 players ever to reach 1,500 in both statistical categories.
His base-stealing efficiency (86.4% success rate) stands as the best among all players with 200 or more career steals since 1920. Additionally, his 70.0 career Baseball-Reference WAR places him eighth all-time among center fielders—seven of the players ranking above him are already enshrined in Cooperstown, with active player Mike Trout being the sole exception.
