The 2025 MLB Hall of Fame class is shaping up to include four legendary players: Ichiro Suzuki, CC Sabathia, Billy Wagner, and Carlos Beltrán. With nearly a quarter of the ballots revealed, Suzuki is on track to become only the second player in history to be unanimously elected into Cooperstown.
Ichiro Suzuki: A lock for unanimous election?
Japanese icon Ichiro Suzuki has appeared on every single ballot revealed thus far, making him a favorite to join Mariano Rivera as the only players in history to receive unanimous induction into the Hall of Fame. Suzuki, who debuted in MLB at the age of 27 in 2001, went on to amass an extraordinary 3,089 hits, an MVP award, a Rookie of the Year title, 10 All-Star appearances, and 10 Gold Gloves, primarily with the Seattle Mariners.
His impact on the game transcends statistics, as he became a global ambassador for baseball. With his induction seemingly guaranteed, Suzuki’s legacy as one of the greatest pure hitters in MLB history is solidified.
CC Sabathia and Billy Wagner: Dominant on the mound
Former Yankees ace CC Sabathia boasts a solid 90.1% of votes so far, driven by a stellar career that includes 251 wins, a Cy Young Award with Cleveland, a World Series title with New York, and six All-Star selections. His durability and consistency as a workhorse pitcher make him a standout candidate.
Billy Wagner, one of the most dominant closers in MLB history, has also made significant strides in the voting process, currently sitting at 84.6%. With 422 career saves, the eighth-most in MLB history, Wagner’s case is bolstered by his seven All-Star appearances and a career ERA of 2.31 over 16 seasons. Both players are well on their way to Cooperstown, with Wagner finally receiving overdue recognition for his achievements.
Carlos Beltrán: A complex path to Cooperstown
Puerto Rican star Carlos Beltrán finds himself on the cusp of Hall of Fame induction, currently polling at 76.9% of revealed ballots – just above the 75% threshold required. A nine-time All-Star and member of the exclusive 30-30 club, Beltrán’s 435 career home runs, 2,725 hits, and elite postseason performances make him one of the most well-rounded players of his generation.
However, Beltrán’s candidacy is complicated by his involvement in the 2017 Houston Astros sign-stealing scandal, which tarnished his reputation during his final playing season. Despite this, Beltrán remains focused on his legacy and the honor of being considered for induction. “I’m not following the votes closely,” Beltrán told reporters. “For me, being considered for the Hall of Fame is already a privilege. If it happens, we’ll celebrate, but my career and my journey are already my greatest validation.”
Beltrán’s voting trajectory has been encouraging, with a significant rise from 57.1% last year. Analysts suggest that if his percentage climbs closer to 80% in published ballots, he will have a comfortable cushion to withstand the more conservative votes from unpublished ballots and secure his spot in Cooperstown.
What this means for MLB and the Hall of Fame
The potential induction of four players in a single year will reinvigorate interest in the Hall of Fame process, particularly with the inclusion of Ichiro Suzuki, whose international acclaim extends far beyond MLB. His unanimous election, should it occur, could set a new benchmark for future candidates.
For Carlos Beltrán, induction would mark an important milestone for Puerto Rican baseball, further cementing its contributions to the sport. However, his election could also spark renewed debates about how off-field controversies should impact Hall of Fame voting.
As the January 21 official announcement date approaches, all eyes will be on the final tally of ballots. The 2025 Hall of Fame class has the potential to be one of the most memorable in recent history, celebrating achievements on the field while navigating the complexities of legacy and accountability.
