Former Toronto Blue Jays superstar Jose Bautista has made the list for the 2024 Baseball Writers' Association of America Hall of Fame ballot.
The BBWAA ballot was released Monday with Bautista up for election in his first year of eligibility.
Bautista, who last played in the majors in 2018, signed a one-day contract with the Blue Jays in August to retire as a member of the franchise and was inducted into the team's Level of Excellence.
The Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, native played 15 seasons in the majors with the Baltimore Orioles, Tampa Bay Rays, Kansas City Royals, Pittsburgh Pirates, Blue Jays, Atlanta Braves, New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies. He finished his career with a .247 batting average, 344 home runs and 975 RBIs.
Bautista was a six-time all-star and three-time Silver Slugger Award winner during his nine-year tenure in Toronto. He led the majors in home runs in back-to-back seasons with 54 in 2010 and 43 in 2011 and also earned the Hank Aaron Award as the best hitter in the American League in both seasons.
Also making their debut on the ballot are Adrian Beltre, Bartolo Colon, Adrian Gonzalez, Matt Holliday, Victor Martinez, Joe Mauer, Brandon Phillips, Jose Reyes, James Shields, Chase Utley and David Wright.
Gary Sheffield is on the ballot for the 10th and final year of eligibility.
Results are expected to be announced on Jan. 23 with candidates needing votes on 75 per cent of all ballots to earn election.
Electees will be inducted into the Hall of Fame on July 21 in Cooperstown, N.Y.
Scott Rolen was the only player elected from the BBWAA ballot in 2023 with Fred McGriff elected from the Veterans Committee ballot.
2024 BBWAA Hall of Fame ballot
• Bobby Abreu
• Jose Bautista
• Carlos Beltran
• Adrian Beltre
• Mark Buehrle
• Bartolo Colon
• Adrian Gonzalez
• Todd Helton
• Matt Holliday
• Torii Hunter
• Andruw Jones
• Victor Martinez
• Joe Mauer
• Andy Pettitte
• Brandon Phillips
• Manny Ramirez
• Jose Reyes
• Alex Rodriguez
• Francisco Rodriguez
• Jimmy Rollins
• Gary Sheffield
• James Shields
• Chase Utley
• Omar Vizquel
• Billy Wagner
• David Wright
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