Best Season by Each HOF Ballot Newcomer in 2023-24

The 2023-24 Hall of Fame ballot includes 12 newcomers, each with at least one standout season. Here’s a look at the best season for each of these newcomers:

1. José Bautista: In 2011, Bautista had a remarkable season with the Blue Jays, hitting .302 with an OPS of 1.056, 43 home runs, and 103 RBIs. This season was his career-high in home runs and RBIs.

2. Adrián Beltré: In 2004, Beltré played for the Dodgers and had an impressive season with a .334 average, an OPS of 1.017, 48 home runs, and 121 RBIs. This season was his only 40-homer campaign in his 21-year career.

3. Bartolo Colon: In 2002, Colon had a strong season with a 20-8 win-loss record, a 2.93 ERA, and eight complete games for both the Cleveland and Montreal teams. This season was his best in terms of ERA+, with a 147 rating.

4. Adrián González: In 2011, González had a well-rounded season with the Red Sox, hitting .338 with an OPS of .958, 27 home runs, and 117 RBIs. This season was his career-best in average, hits, doubles, and total bases.

5. Matt Holliday: In 2007, Holliday had a remarkable season with the Rockies, hitting .340 with an OPS of 1.012, 36 home runs, and 137 RBIs. This season was his career-high in hits, doubles, and total bases.

6. Victor Martinez: In 2014, Martinez had a career-best season with the Tigers, hitting .335 with an OPS of .974, 32 home runs, and 103 RBIs. This season was his only time leading the AL in on-base percentage and OPS.

7. Joe Mauer: In 2009, Mauer had a standout season with the Twins, hitting .365 with an OPS of 1.031, 28 home runs, and 96 RBIs. This season earned him near-unanimous AL MVP honors and was his only batting title.

8. Brandon Phillips: In 2007, Phillips had a breakout season with the Reds, hitting .288 with an OPS of .816, 30 home runs, and 94 RBIs. This season was his first time leading the Majors in stolen bases.

9. José Reyes: In 2006, Reyes had a strong season with the Mets, hitting .300 with an OPS of .841, 19 home runs, 81 RBIs, and 64 stolen bases. This season was his career-high in stolen bases and triples.

10. James Shields: In 2011, Shields had an impressive season with the Rays, going 16-12 with a 2.82 ERA, 225 strikeouts, 11 complete games, and 4 shutouts. This season was his best in terms of complete games and shutouts.

11. Chase Utley: In 2007, Utley had a standout season with the Phillies, hitting .332 with an OPS of .976, 22 home runs, and 103 RBIs. This season was his career-high in OPS and OPS+, and he finished eighth in NL MVP Award voting.

12. David Wright: In 2007, Wright had a strong season with the Mets, hitting .325 with an OPS of .963, 30 home runs, and 107 RBIs. This season was his first time winning a Silver Slugger Award and finishing fourth in NL MVP Award voting.

These newcomers have shown their potential and talent throughout their careers, and their best seasons highlight their individual strengths and contributions to their teams. The Hall of Fame ballot for 2023-24 is sure to be an exciting one, with these 12 newcomers joining the list of potential inductees.