MLB
Everything you need to know about the 2025 BBWAA Hall of Fame ballot
As the new year gets underway, we take a look at the full 2025 MLB hall of fame ballot, including shoo-ins, long shots, and some on their last chance.

As the chill of January settles in, baseball enthusiasts turn their gaze toward Cooperstown, where the Baseball Writers’ Association of America (BBWAA) prepares to unveil the results of its 81st Hall of Fame election on January 21, 2025. This year’s ballot presents a compelling mix of first-time nominees and returning candidates, each with a unique narrative etched into the fabric of the game.
Newcomers Making Their Mark
Leading the pack of first-time eligibles is Ichiro Suzuki, whose career transcends mere statistics. Arriving in Major League Baseball at 27 after a stellar tenure in Japan, Ichiro amassed over 3,000 hits stateside, boasting a .311 lifetime batting average. His 10 consecutive 200-hit seasons and the single-season hits record underscore a hitting prowess seldom witnessed. Beyond the numbers, Ichiro’s impact on the global stage of baseball is profound, bridging cultures and exemplifying the sport’s international appeal.
Joining Ichiro is CC Sabathia, a formidable presence on the mound over 19 seasons. With 251 career wins and 3,093 strikeouts, Sabathia’s durability and dominance are evident. His 2007 American League Cy Young Award and pivotal role in the Yankees' 2009 World Series triumph highlight a career marked by competitive fire and leadership.
Félix Hernández, affectionately known as “King Félix,” also makes his ballot debut. His reign in Seattle was highlighted by a 2010 Cy Young Award and a perfect game in 2012, the latter being the first in Mariners' history. Hernández’s peak years were characterized by a devastating changeup and an indomitable presence on the mound, making him a fan favorite in the Pacific Northwest.
Dustin Pedroia enters the Hall of Fame conversation with a résumé that includes an American League MVP award, Rookie of the Year honors, and two World Series rings with the Boston Red Sox. Known for his gritty play and leadership, Pedroia’s career .299 batting average and defensive prowess at second base made him a cornerstone in Boston’s infield during his tenure.
Other notable newcomers include Curtis Granderson, a three-time All-Star with a blend of power and speed; Adam Jones, a five-time All-Star and four-time Gold Glove recipient known for his leadership in Baltimore; and Troy Tulowitzki, whose combination of offensive production and defensive excellence at shortstop earned him five All-Star selections and two Gold Gloves.
Returning Candidates: The Final Push
Billy Wagner stands on the precipice of immortality in his 10th and final year of eligibility. With 422 career saves and a 2.31 ERA, Wagner’s left-handed heat was a nightmare for batters. His strikeout rate of 11.9 per nine innings is among the best in history, reflecting a dominance that could secure his place among the game’s greats.
Andruw Jones, entering his eighth year on the ballot, garnered 61.6% of the vote in 2024. His 10 Gold Gloves and 434 home runs paint the picture of a player who excelled both at the plate and in center field, a rare combination that has steadily gained recognition among voters.
Carlos Beltrán, in his third year of eligibility, received 57.1% of the vote in 2024. A member of the exclusive 400 home run and 300 stolen base club, Beltrán’s postseason heroics and five-tool capabilities make a compelling case for his induction, despite the shadow of the 2017 sign-stealing scandal.
Alex Rodríguez and Manny Ramírez, both with statistics that would typically ensure first-ballot induction, continue to grapple with the implications of their connections to performance-enhancing drugs. Rodríguez, with 696 home runs, and Ramírez, with 555, remain polarizing figures as they navigate their fourth and ninth years on the ballot, respectively.
The Voting Landscape
The BBWAA’s voting process allows candidates to remain on the ballot for up to 10 years, provided they receive at least 5% of the vote annually. A 75% majority is required for induction. The 2024 election saw Adrian Beltré, Todd Helton, and Joe Mauer gain entry, potentially influencing the voting dynamics for 2025 as writers assess the merits of both newcomers and holdovers.
As the baseball community awaits the January announcement, debates will intensify, statistics will be scrutinized, and careers will be dissected. The Hall of Fame not only honors individual achievement but also tells the evolving story of baseball itself, reflecting its triumphs, challenges, and the ever-changing metrics by which greatness is measured.
The full 2025 Ballot
- BOBBY ABREU
- CARLOS BELTRÁN
- MARK BUEHRLE
- CARLOS GONZÁLEZ
- CURTIS GRANDERSON
- FÉLIX HERNÁNDEZ
- TORII HUNTER
- ADAM JONES
- ANDRUW JONES
- IAN KINSLER
- RUSSELL MARTIN
- BRIAN MCCANN
- DUSTIN PEDROIA
- ANDY PETTITTE
- HANLEY RAMÍREZ
- MANNY RAMÍREZ
- FERNANDO RODNEY
- ÁLEX RODRÍGUEZ
- FRANCISCO RODRÍGUEZ
- JIMMY ROLLINS
- CC SABATHIA
- ICHIRO SUZUKI
- TROY TULOWITZKI
- CHASE UTLEY
- OMAR VIZQUEL
- BILLY WAGNER
- DAVID WRIGHT
- BEN ZOBRIST
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