Cincinnati Reds fan-favorite will be on next year's Hall of Fame ballot

Carlos Beltrán will highlight the list of first-timer appearing on the 2023 Hall of Fame ballot, but a former fan-favorite among the Cincinnati faithful will be up for election to the Baseball Hall of Fame. Former Cincinnati Reds pitcher Bronson Arroyo will be up for election. How will 16-year veteran fair?

Unfortunately for Arroyo, he's not a Hall of Famer. That said, the opportunity exists for him to perhaps eclipse the 5% threshold and remain on the ballot beyond his debut. While 75% of the votes are necessary to be enshrined in Cooperstown, 5% is the minimum to stay on the ballot.

Is former Reds pitcher Bronson Arroyo a Hall of Famer?

Bronson Arroyo is not a Hall of Famer, but I could easily see the right-hander eventually being inducted into the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame. During his nine seasons with the Redlegs, Arroyo posted a 108-100 win/ loss record with a 4.18 ERA.

Arroyo struck out a total of 1,157 batters during his time in the Queen City, went to an All-Star Game, won a Gold Glove, and finished 12th in the Cy Young race during the 2010 season. Roy Halladay took home the coveted trophy that season.

Arroyo is also a former World Champion, as he was part of the Boston Red Sox's return to glory in 2004. Born in Key West, Florida, Bronson Arroyo began his major league career with the division-rival Pittsburgh Pirates before joining Boston in 2003. The right-hander was dealt to the Reds prior to the 2006 season in exchange for outfielder Wily Mo Peña.

Former big league hurlers Tim Hudson (3%), Tim Linecum (2.3%), Jonathan Papelbon (1.3%), and Jake Peavy (0%) all fell off the ballot following this year's vote. Lincecum was a four-time All-Star with wto Cy Young Awards attached to his resumé, but a lack of longevity likely played a role in him receiving less than 5% of the vote.

Mark Buehrle, a five-time All-Star, received just enough (5.8%) to stay alive for one more year. Unfortunately for Bronson Arroyo, I think it's going to be very difficult to remain on the Hall of Fame ballot beyond his first year. Still, Arroyo will always be remembered fondly by the Cincinnati Reds fans.