Detroit Tigers: Rapid reaction to the 2018 Hall of Fame Election

Four players getting inducted helps clear out what has become a massively overcrowded Hall of Fame ballot. However, there is still a lot of talent remaining. Players who earn between 5% and 75% of the votes remain on the ballot for next year.

The most polarizing figure on the ballot is Edgar Martinez, who saw his percentage climb up to 70.4%. Next year will be his final year on the ballot. Seattle’s longtime designated hitter will likely get enough support next season to finally hear his name called for Cooperstown.

Mike Mussina earned 63.5% of the vote last year. The former Orioles and Yankees hurler has been trending upward since arriving on the ballot. With five years left, Mussina should hear his name called in the next few years.

Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens have continued to receive just over 50% of the votes. With four more years on the ballot, their continued presence will remain a source of controversy through 2022.

A few more quick notes:

Fred McGriff only has one more year left on the ballot. He received just 23.2% of the vote this year and is unlikely, barring a miracle, to get inducted next season.

Vizquel, along with Scott Rolen and Andruw Jones, are the three first year players who lived to see another year on the ballot. Rolen received 10.2% of the vote and Jones had 7.3%.

Johan Santana and Jamie Moyer each had 2.4% of the votes and will fall off the ballot after one season. Santana in particular deserved a longer look but an overcrowded ballot did not give him much of a chance.