In a recent ballot for the Baseball Hall of Fame, several former New York Mets players were recognized for their contributions to the game. While some fell short of the required percentage for induction, others saw promising gains in their support. Let's take a closer look at the chances for these players.

Billy Wagner, the Mets closer extraordinaire, came agonizingly close to being elected, falling just five votes short of the 75 percent threshold. However, history shows that players who reached a similar position like Craig Biggio in 2014 eventually made it to the Hall of Fame the following year. Wagner has gained significant support in recent years, and it seems likely that he will secure his place in the Hall next year, solidifying his dominance in the last inning of games.

Carlos Beltrán, known for his exceptional all-around skills, experienced a notable increase in votes, jumping from 46.5 percent to 57.1 percent. Although his eventual enshrinement may not happen as soon as next year, the trajectory suggests that he will eventually make it into the Hall. Beltrán's exceptional performance in 2006, where he boasted a .982 OPS and Gold Glove defense in center field, solidifies his case as one of the best players in Mets history.

Gary Sheffield, who had a brief tenure with the Mets in 2009, fell short of induction with 63.9 percent of the vote. Sheffield's offensive prowess throughout his career, delivering an OPS 40 percent better than the league average, makes a strong case for his inclusion. Despite his subpar defense and inclusion in the 2007 Mitchell Report, Sheffield maintains his innocence in regards to knowingly taking steroids, making him a viable candidate.

David Wright, the beloved former Mets third baseman, secured a spot for his name to appear on the ballot for another year with 6.2 percent of the vote. While his chances for induction seem tough, Wright's solid decade of being one of the game's best players, including a close call for the MVP award in 2007, strengthens his case. The electorate will need to prioritize peak performance over longevity for Wright's induction.

Bobby Abreu, who played his final major-league games with the Mets in 2014, saw his support stagnate with 14.8 percent of the vote. Abreu's consistency over his 13-year stretch, boasting a .300/.400/.500 slash line with impressive offensive numbers, makes a compelling argument for his inclusion in the Hall of Fame.

Other former Mets players on the ballot, including Alex Rodriguez, Bartolo Colón, José Reyes, and José Bautista, did not receive enough votes to remain in contention. Each player had their own unique accomplishments and contributions to the game, but fell short of the required support for Hall of Fame induction.

As the ballot changes year after year, players like Wagner, Beltrán, Sheffield, Wright, and Abreu will continue to vie for a coveted spot in baseball's prestigious Hall of Fame. With each passing year, their chances may rise or fall, but the enduring legacy of their careers will always be remembered by baseball fans.

Tim Britton, a senior writer for The Athletic and an experienced baseball journalist, provided insights into the Hall of Fame chances for these former Mets players.