Longtime Reds' killer, former Cincy trade acquisition up for Hall of Fame in 2026

Whether they actually make the Baseball Hall of Fame or not, former Cincinnati Reds outfielder Shin-Soo Choo and former Milwaukee Brewers' slugger killer Ryan Braun are each on the ballot for the first time in 2026. Are they deserving of a plaque in Cooperstown? Each player provides an interesting case.

Choo held the record for most home runs by an Asian-born player with 218 when he retired from the major leagues after the 2020 season. Since then, Shohei Ohtani has passed him, but Choo will be long-remembered as one of the greatest international sluggers in league history.

His time in Cincinnati was brief, but memorable. Choo was a vital piece of the Reds' playoff push during the 2013 season after he was traded from the Cleveland Guardians. Choo placed 12th in the 2013 NL MVP vote; the highest finish of his career.

Former Reds OF Shin-Soo Choo is up for Hall of Fame in 2026

Choo crushed 21 home runs, 34 doubles, scored 107 runs, and stole 20 bases in 2013. He finished that year with a career-best .423 on-base percentage, and helped the Reds finish with a 90-72 record and secure a spot in the NL Wild Card. In the final month of the season, Choo was clutch, batting .309 with nine extra-base hits and drawing 24 walks.

The Reds did make the postseason that year, albeit a one-and-done excursion. In the 6-2 loss to the Pirates, Choo's bat was the loudest. He scored both runs in that playoff games against the Bucs, including a home run.

Choo retired with a .275/.377/.447 slash line, 339 doubles, 961 runs scored, and 782 RBI alongside one All-Star nod in 2018. Choo may not be a Hall of Famer, but his place in Cincinnati will always be memorable, leaving Reds fans grateful for his efforts.

Longtime Reds' killer Ryan Braun gets his first shot at the Hall of Fame in 2026

Braun, on the other hand, brings a more convincing case to the Hall of Fame table. PED allegations aside, Braun might receive more votes than we think. According to JAWS (Jaffe WAR Score system), Braun has the 25th highest metric among left fielders all-time. He's even above Hall of Famer Jim Rice.

The former Brewers' outfielder has 352 career home runs, 408 doubles, 216 stolen bases, six All-Star nods, five Silver Slugger Awards, and was named NL Rookie of the Year in 2007 and NL MVP in 2011. He also collected three Top 3 MVP finishes.

Braun destroyed the Reds during his career. Against Cincinnati, he muscled 45 home runs, the most against any of his opponents in his career. That accompanied his career .877 OPS against the ole Redlegs, including 192 hits in 190 games. At Great American Ball Park, Braun mashed 28 home runs in his career, which is his most among all road stadiums.

Will Braun get into the Hall of Fame? Just like Choo, his chances aren't likely, but he might garner a few more votes than anticipated.

More Cincinnati Reds News and Rumors