The BBWAA released its 2016 Hall of Fame ballot Monday, and it features 15 newcomers, including slugger Ken Griffey Jr. and closer Trevor Hoffman.

The list will be mailed to approximately 475 voting members of the BBWAA, who will decide this year's class to be enshrined in Cooperstown next summer.

Candidates must be named on 75 percent of the ballots received in order to be elected into the Hall of Fame.

Griffey Jr., a 13-time All-Star and 10-time Gold Glover, has a strong case to become a first-ballot Hall of Famer, as does Hoffman, who compiled 601 saves over 18 seasons - second only to New York Yankees legend Mariano Rivera (652 saves) all-time.

FIRST-TIMERS ON BALLOT

NAME POSITION Garret Anderson OF Brad Ausmus C Luis Castillo 2B David Eckstein 2B/SS Jim Edmonds OF Troy Glaus 3B Ken Griffey Jr. OF Mark Grudzielanek 2B/SS Mike Hampton P Trevor Hoffman P Jason Kendall C Mike Lowell 3B Mike Sweeney C/1B Billy Wagner P Randy Winn OF

The maximum length a player who receives at least five percent of the vote can stay on the ballot is 10 years. There are two exceptions to this recently revised rule, however. Closer Lee Smith and shortstop Alan Trammel were grandfathered into the new system, and will be eligible for up to 15 years.

Catcher Mike Piazza (69.9 percent) fell only 28 votes shy of being inducted last year, and is a strong candidate to be a part of this year's class.

RETURNING PLAYERS ON BALLOT

NAME 2015 VOTES (%) YEARS ON BALLOT Jeff Bagwell 306 (55.7) 5 Barry Bonds 202 (36.8) 3 Roger Clemens 206 (37.5) 3 Nomar Garciaparra 30 (5.5) 1 Jeff Kent 77 (14) 2 Edgar Martinez 148 (27) 6 Fred McGriff 71 (12.9) 9 Mark McGwire 55 (10) 9 Mike Mussina 135 (24.6) 2 Mike Piazza 384 (69.9) 3 Tim Raines 302 (55) 8 Curt Schilling 215 (39.2) 3 Gary Sheffield 64 (11.7) 1 Lee Smith 166 (30.2) 13 Sammy Sosa 36 (6.6) 3 Alan Trammel 138 (25.1) 14 Larry Walker 65 (11.8) 5

Voting results will be announced Jan. 6, 2016.