Cardinals Open 2026 Hall of Fame Voting: Pujols, Molina Headline Star-Studded Ballot

The St. Louis Cardinals have officially opened fan voting for the 2026 Cardinals Hall of Fame, and this year’s ballot is loaded with franchise royalty. Headlining the class are icons Albert Pujols and Yadier Molina, joined by standout outfielders Brian Jordan and George Hendrick.

Fans can cast their vote once per login at cardinals.com/HOF through April 17. The top vote-getter — or potentially multiple inductees, depending on the final results — will be honored during a September 12 ceremony at Ballpark Village.

The Favorites: Pujols & Molina

It’s no surprise that early polls show Albert Pujols and Yadier Molina leading the charge.

Pujols’ Cardinals résumé is staggering. In 1,814 games wearing the Birds on the Bat, he slashed .326/.417/.614 with a 1.031 OPS, crushing 469 home runs, driving in 1,397 RBI, and

collecting 2,156 hits. Add in three MVP awards, 953 extra-base hits, and a jaw-dropping 166 wRC+, and you’re looking at one of the most dominant right-handed hitters in

franchise — and MLB — history.

Molina’s impact goes far beyond the box score, but the numbers still tell a compelling story.

Across 2,168 hits and 1,022 RBI, Yadi posted a .277 average with a .399 slugging percentage. Behind the plate, he earned nine Gold Gloves and built a reputation for elite pitch framing, game-calling, and controlling the running game with a caught-stealing rate that set the standard for a generation.

Together, Pujols and Molina defined an era of Cardinals baseball — multiple pennants, two World Series titles, and nearly two decades of sustained excellence.

The Case for Jordan

Don’t overlook Brian Jordan, one of the most dynamic athletes of the 1990s.

From 1992–1998 in St. Louis, Jordan totaled 84 home runs, 122 doubles, 24 triples, 367 RBI, and 86 stolen bases. A two-sport athlete who brought toughness and leadership to the clubhouse, Jordan was a sparkplug during a transitional period for the franchise.

For many fans, his versatility and energy make him a sentimental — and deserving — choice.

Hendrick’s Quiet Dominance

Then there’s George Hendrick, a key figure during the 1980s. Over seven seasons in St. Louis, Hendrick hit .294 with 122 home runs, 582 RBI, and an .815 OPS. He was a steady, reliable bat in the heart of the order and played a significant role during competitive seasons in a talent-rich era of Cardinals baseball.

Hendrick’s consistency and postseason presence make him a strong candidate for voters who appreciate the club’s 1980s success.

One Inductee… or More?

One subplot to watch: will fans push for multiple enshrinements? In 2014, the Cardinals inducted a duo, and many supporters hope the rules once again allow more than one deserving candidate to get the call.

With Pujols and Molina both on the ballot — two generational pillars — the possibility feels fitting.

Voting runs through April 17, and Cardinal Nation has a tough choice to make. Will it be the Machine? The backstop general? Or will fans rally behind Jordan or Hendrick?

However it unfolds, September 12 promises to be another special chapter in Cardinals history.