Red Sox Hall of Fame guide: Who’s in, who should be next, and how it works

Putting on a Red Sox uniform means committing to representing a storied franchise. From the early years of Babe Ruth to Pedro Martinez and David Ortiz, you belong in that fraternity. It can either make or break a player.

By the end of a career, a player could have reached legendary status in Boston. That’s whether due to their play or the rings they won with the team. Outside retired numbers, that’s what the Red Sox Hall of Fame is all about.

While there’s the National Baseball Hall of Fame, the Red Sox Hall of Fame is a way to honor those who represented Fenway Park and the club in one way or another. Names honored include Bobby Doerr, Ted Williams, Wade Boggs, and Nomar Garciaparra.

In 2024, the Red Sox added Dustin Pedroia, Jonathan Papelbon, and Trot Nixon to the Hall of Fame. The late Tim Wakefield was also honored. What can fans expect at the next induction ceremony?

Here’s a breakdown of the Red Sox Hall of Fame, from the history of the ceremony to who may be next to be inducted.

What the Red Sox Hall of Fame is and how players are selected

Created in 1995, the Hall of Fame recognizes the careers of former players, coaches, and managers, and non-uniformed members of the Red Sox. The Hall of Fame selection process is every two years.

The process is decided via a 15-member selection committee. In order to be nominated, players must have played at least three years with the Red Sox. They must also have been out of uniform as an active player for at least three years.

Those in the Baseball Hall of Fame are automatically enshrined in the Red Sox Hall of Fame.

The strongest “next in” candidates by era

Given that 2026 will be the next ceremony, it will be interesting to see who is selected into the Hall of Fame.

Here is a short list of candidates who may likely get the call:

• Jon Lester: A three-time All-Star and two-time World Series winner with the Red Sox, Lester dominated for nine years with Boston. After a successful treatment of his lymphoma, Lester became an anchor for various championship-winning teams. He even threw a no-hitter.  

 

• 2013 Red Sox: After the Boston Bombing during the Boston Marathon, the Red Sox put the city on its back and won the World Series in dominant fashion. David Ortiz’s dramatic grand slam in Game 2 of the ALCS has already been honored.  

Ceremony day at Fenway: What to expect if you go

Over the last few years, the ceremony has been in May. Sometimes, it takes place in November. It’s a ticketed event benefiting the Red Sox Foundation.

Doors have traditionally opened at 5:30 p.m. ET, with the 2024 ceremony starting at 6 p.m. ET. Fans who purchase tickets can watch from their seats in select locations.

Concessions will be open for the duration of the event. VIP ticket holders will receive complimentary food and non-alcoholic beverages throughout the event.