How long does an MLB player have to wait to get into the Hall of Fame?

The Baseball Writers' Association of America (BBWAA) has the permission to hold an election each year to choose members of the National Baseball Hall of Fame from the ranks of retired baseball players, per the approval of the Board of Directors of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, Inc.

Only BBWAA members who have been actively writing about baseball for at least ten (10) years, both active and honorary, are eligible to vote. They must have been members of the Association and actively writing about baseball for at least ten (10) years before the election day they are casting their vote.

"Todd Helton's .855 𝙧𝙤𝙖𝙙 OPS is higher than a number of Hall of Fame sluggers." - MLBNetworkRadio

Before being considered for the HOF, a player must have been retired for at least five years. A minimum of ten major league seasons must be played by the player. These are the two most important criteria to take into account.

A player may be considered for election by one of the four Veteran's Committees after ten years of eligibility on the Hall of Fame ballot have passed without him receiving 75% of the vote. They are Early Baseball (1950–1969), Modern Baseball (1970–1987), Today's Game (1998–present), and Golden Days (1950–1969). (1871-1949).

MLB Hall of Fame is an exclusive club

Being a member of the 3,000-hit club practically ensured first-ballot HOF entrance for the first 50 years after it became possible. When Rafael Palmeiro only received 11% of the vote in 2011, falling short of the necessary 75%, that came to an end. Due to a lack of support, he was briefly taken off the ballot.

"I've said it once, I'll say it again... BARRY BONDS BELONGS IN THE HALL OF FAME" - TheGameDayMLB

There are many other factors as well. Voters for the HOF will be asked to consider a player's record, ability, integrity, sportsmanship, character, and team contributions while selecting. Voters have recently excluded Clemens, Omar Vizquel, and Curt Schilling from voting due to their indiscretions by using the so-called "character clause" in that instruction.

Continuing to use milestones as the initial access hurdle won't work. Lowering the milestones might not even be effective. Voters are not required to confine their consideration to a player's statistical prowess, and those who have not yet done so will likely be forced to do so by the upcoming class of HOF candidates.