Let’s continue exploring the players on the 2026 Hall of Fame ballot. We’ve already looked at the two pitchers appearing on the ballot for the first time. We’ve also examined five of the six outfielders from the group of 12 first-timers who are eligible.

Today, we’ll tackle the three infielders in the mix.

The Texas Rangers used their 9th-round pick in the 2000 Draft to select Edwin Encarnación out of a Puerto Rico high school, where he had moved to from the Dominican Republic. Just over a year later, Texas traded Encarnación (along with outfielder Rubén Mateo) to the Cincinnati Reds for right-hander Rob Bell. He’d reach the majors by June 2005 and spent parts of five seasons with the Reds, hitting .262/.345/.449 (103 OPS+) with 71 HR and 263 RBI.

Cincinnati wanted to acquire third baseman Scott Rolen at the 2009 trade deadline (an upgrade at third base), reaching an agreement with the Toronto Blue Jays to send right-handers Josh Roenicke and Zach Stewart north. The Reds insisted on Encarnación’s inclusion as well, according to reports at the time.

Encarnación struggled through his first season and a half with Toronto. In November 2020, he was claimed on waivers by the Athletics only to be non-tendered soon thereafter. He’d return to Toronto in free agency, where his career would take off. He’d hit .272/.367/.544 (146 OPS+) with 193 HR and 550 RBI over the next five seasons with a trio of All-Star appearances and five appearances in the Top 20 of MVP voting.

Encarnación reached free agency following the 2016 season and signed a three-year, $60 million contract with the Cleveland Indians, where he’d bat .252/.358/.490 (123 OPS+) over two seasons before being traded to Seattle in a three-team deal (that included the Rays and four other players). He’d play half a season with the Mariners before a trade to the New York Yankees (for minor league right-hander Juan Then). Encarnación then joined the Chicago White Sox for the 2020 season before retiring.

Overall, with six teams over a 16-year career, Encarnación batted .260/.350/.496 (123 OPS+) with 370 doubles, 424 HR, and 1,261 RBI. He totaled 35.3 WAR.

The Anaheim Angels used their 10th-round pick in the 2002 Draft to select Howie Kendrick from St. Johns River State College (Palatka, FL). He quickly worked his way through the Angels’ minor league system before debuting in April 2006. Shortly thereafter, he established himself as a cornerstone of the team’s lineup. Over his nine seasons with the Angels, Kendrick hit .292/.332/.424 (108 OPS+) with 249 doubles and 501 RBI, while making his lone All-Star appearance in 2011.

The Angels traded Kendrick across town in December 2014 (for left-hander Andrew Heaney). In two seasons with the Dodgers, he’d bat .274/.331/.387 (97 OPS+), before being traded to Philadelphia in November 2016 (for first baseman Darin Ruf and second baseman Darnell Sweeney). Months later, Philadelphia flipped him to the Washington Nationals for left-hander McKenzie Mills and international amateur free agent bonus pool money.

Kendrick was a role player in Washington, but quickly became a fan favorite for his hustle, clutch hits, and popularity in the clubhouse. He’d sign a series of one-year deals in free agency to remain with the club, spending four years in Washington while hitting .316/.361/.511 (125 OPS+) and helping the Nationals win the 2019 World Series.

All told, Kendrick slashed .294/.337/.430 (109 OPS+) with 354 doubles, 127 HR, 724 RBI, and 127 stolen bases over a 15-year career. He appeared in the one All-Star Game and won the NLCS MVP en route to that World Series title. He totaled 35.0 WAR.

The New York Mets used their 13th-round pick in the 2006 Draft to select Daniel Murphy from Jacksonville University. Just two years later, in August 2008, he’d make his debut in New York. Despite being a natural third baseman, the Mets initially used Murphy as a corner outfielder before a high-grade MCL tear during a Triple-A game caused him to miss most of the 2010 season. The Mets moved him back to the infield upon his return, where he’d play mostly second base for the rest of his career. Murphy slashed .288/.331/.424 (109 OPS+) over his seven seasons in New York with an All-Star appearance.

Murphy left the Mets in free agency following the 2015 season, signing a three-year, $37.5 million deal with the Washington Nationals on Christmas Eve. He’d enjoy the best offensive stretch of his career with the Nationals over the next two+ seasons, batting .329/.380/.550 (139 OPS+) with 54 HR and 226 RBI while leading the NL in doubles twice. He also went to a pair of All-Star Games, won two Silver Slugger Awards, and received MVP votes, including finishing 2nd in voting in 2016 (losing to Kris Bryant).

Washington traded Murphy to the Chicago Cubs in August 2018 (for infielder Andruw Monasterio and cash considerations. Following the season, he’d sign a two-year, $24 million deal with the Colorado Rockies. He’d close out his career hitting .269/.316/.426 (81 OPS+) over those final two seasons.

Overall, Murphy slashed .296/.341/.455 (113 OPS+) with 371 doubles and 138 home runs during his 12-year career, adding three All-Star appearances and the two Silver Slugger Awards. He totaled 20.8 WAR.

Of course, Murphy also created some controversy during his career. MLB’s Ambassador for Inclusion, Billy Bean, the first player to come out as gay after his playing career, visited the Mets clubhouse during spring training in March 2015. Following the meeting, Murphy is openly critical of the gay lifestyle when speaking with the media, prompting an array of backlash and public outcry. Murphy largely avoided speaking with reporters for the remainder of his career.