MLB Hall of Fame Announcement
Results for this year's Hall of Fame vote will be announced at 5 PM CT. Individuals receiving 75% or more of the vote will join second baseman Jeff Kent in the 2026 Hall of Fame class. Pitcher Cole Hamels is among the new candidates on the ballot, though he is not projected for first-ballot induction. Outfielder Manny Ramirez is in his final year of eligibility and is not expected to be inducted, consistent with past decisions regarding players from the steroid era. Ryan Thibodaux's BBHOF Tracker indicates that 54% of ballots are publicly available. Based on these public ballots, Carlos Beltrán and Andruw Jones are currently estimated for election.
Tampa Bay Rays Stadium Development
The Tampa Bay Rays are continuing efforts to relocate from Tropicana Field and construct a new stadium. The Hillsborough College board of trustees is scheduled to vote at 4 PM local time today on a memorandum of understanding with the Rays concerning a stadium proposal at the college’s Dale Mabry campus. The team's proposal includes building a stadium and upgrading the school's facilities on the campus. This vote represents an initial stage in a series of approvals and negotiations required for the stadium project.
Philadelphia Phillies Media Briefing
The Phillies have formalized the return of catcher J.T. Realmuto. Realmuto, President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski, and Manager Rob Thomson will conduct a virtual press conference via Zoom starting at 10 AM local time today. This media availability is expected to provide updates on the team’s offseason strategy, following the signing of Realmuto and a recent attempt to acquire infielder Bo Bichette.