Russell Martin Falls Short of Baseball Hall of Fame
Former Toronto Blue Jays catcher Russell Martin received only 2.3% of the vote from the Baseball Writers’ Association of America, failing to reach the 5% threshold required to remain on the Hall of Fame ballot for 2026.
Tough Climb for Catchers
Martin, a four-time All-Star and recipient of both the Gold Glove and silver Slugger awards, faced the challenge common to many catchers. Historically, it’s a position that frequently enough doesn’t yield the conventional statistics required for Hall of Fame recognition. Despite ranking 27th all-time among Major League Baseball catchers in wins above replacement (bWAR), Martin falls short of Cooperstown. Notably, six catchers with lower bWARs are already enshrined.
Other Notable Omissions
joining Martin in falling short of the 5% threshold were former Blue Jays teammates Troy Tulowitzki (1%) and Curtis Granderson (0.8%). Tulowitzki, a five-time All-Star and recipient of two Gold Gloves and two Silver Sluggers, accumulated 44.5 WAR over 13 seasons.Granderson, a 16-year veteran, finished with 47.2 WAR, 344 home runs, and an .803 OPS.
Other players who did not meet the 5% threshold and are now eligible for future consideration through the Era Committees include Ian Kinsler, Adam Jones, Carlos Gonzalez, Hanley Ramirez, Fernando Rodney, and Ben Zobrist.
Canadian Baseball Legend
Despite not reaching Cooperstown, Martin’s legacy in Canadian baseball remains secure. Last summer, he was inducted into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame in St. Marys, Ont.
Throughout his 14-year MLB career, Martin played for the Blue Jays, Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, and Pittsburgh Pirates. He amassed 38.8 WAR, 191 home runs, and a .746 OPS.
Why did Russell Martin fail to make the Baseball Hall of Fame ballot for 2026?
Russell Martin Falls short of Baseball Hall of Fame
Former Toronto Blue Jays catcher Russell Martin received only 2.3% of the vote from the Baseball Writers’ association of America, failing to reach the 5% threshold required to remain on the Hall of Fame ballot for 2026.
Tough Climb for Catchers
Martin, a four-time All-Star and recipient of both the Gold Glove and silver Slugger awards, faced the challenge common to many catchers. Historically,it’s a position that frequently enough doesn’t yield the conventional statistics required for Hall of Fame recognition. Despite ranking 27th all-time among Major League Baseball catchers in wins above replacement (bWAR), martin falls short of Cooperstown. Notably,six catchers with lower bWARs are already enshrined.
Other Notable Omissions
joining Martin in falling short of the 5% threshold were former Blue Jays teammates Troy Tulowitzki (1%) and Curtis Granderson (0.8%). tulowitzki,a five-time All-Star and recipient of two Gold Gloves and two Silver Sluggers,accumulated 44.5 WAR over 13 seasons.Granderson, a 16-year veteran, finished with 47.2 WAR, 344 home runs, and an .803 OPS.
Other players who did not meet the 5% threshold and are now eligible for future consideration through the Era Committees include Ian Kinsler, Adam Jones, Carlos Gonzalez, Hanley Ramirez, Fernando Rodney, and Ben Zobrist.
Canadian Baseball Legend
Despite not reaching Cooperstown, Martin’s legacy in Canadian baseball remains secure. Last summer,he was inducted into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame in St. Marys,Ont.
Throughout his 14-year MLB career, Martin played for the Blue Jays, Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, and Pittsburgh Pirates. He amassed 38.8 WAR, 191 home runs, and a .746 OPS..
Q&A
Q: Why didn’t Russell Martin make it into the Baseball Hall of Fame?
A: While a four-time All-Star and accomplished catcher, Martin didn’t garner enough votes from the Baseball Writers’ Association of America. He received only 2.3%, falling short of the 5% threshold needed to stay on the ballot.
Q: Is it common for catchers to struggle achieving Hall of Fame recognition?
A: Yes, historically catchers face an uphill battle. Their defensive demands and the physical toll of the position frequently enough result in lower customary offensive stats,which are heavily considered for Hall of Fame induction.
Q: What other notable players were left off the ballot this year?
A: Former Blue Jays teammates Troy Tulowitzki and Curtis Granderson also fell short of the 5% mark. Other notable omissions include Ian Kinsler, Adam Jones, and Carlos Gonzalez.
< p> Martin’s journey reminds us that baseball greatness comes in various forms. While Cooperstown eludes him, his impact on Canadian baseball and his achievements on the field remain undeniable.
