The Major League Baseball Hall of Fame has announced new rule changes for potential candidates hoping for eternal enshrinement. The changes will begin immediately, meaning all candidates on the 2015 ballot, with three exceptions, will have the new rules potentially affect their chances of entering the Hall of Fame.

Officially called the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, the Hall announced the rule changes on July 26. 

The biggest change reduces the number of years that a player can remain on the ballot from 15 years to 10. The requirement for a candidate to stay on the ballot for up to 10 years remains the same. A candidate must still receive a "Yes" vote on at least five percent of the ballots cast.

The three exceptions are former Yankee great Don Mattingly, Tigers legend Alan Trammel, and former Cubs and Cardinals, among other teams, closer Lee Smith. All three players are currently past their 10th year of eligibility. In 2015, Mattingly will appear on his 15th and final ballot; Trammel, his 14th; and Smith, his 13th. Trammel and Smith will remain until they are either voted in or surpass 15 years. 

The player closest to his 10th year is former Athletics and Cardinals slugger Mark McGwire, who will appear on his ninth ballot. McGwire is still under PED controversy, which has greatly impeded his ballot success. Former Expos and White Sox speed demon Tim Raines will appear on his eighth ballot in 2015.

The aforementioned rule change is the only one to affect potential player candidates. The other rule changes affect the voters. 

First, voters will now have to complete a registration form and sign a code of conduct. Eligible voters are members of the Baseball Writers Association of America (BBWAA) who have at least 10 years of professional baseball beat-writing experience. 

Next, all voters' names will become public upon the release of the final results. However, making their individual ballots public will be voluntary.

Finally, Ernest and Young will continue to oversee the voting. They will now have undisclosed added responsibilities in verifying the results. 

The official 2015 Hall of Fame ballot will come out in November, 2014. The list of names appearing for the first time include Randy Johnson, John Smoltz, and Pedro Martinez. Voters will receive their ballots at that time and must return them postmarked by December 31.