2025 Baseball Hall of Fame Candidates: A Spotlight on Those at Risk of Dropping Off the Ballot
The 2025 Baseball Hall of Fame voting results are set to be announced on Tuesday. Among the players trending toward induction are Ichiro Suzuki, CC Sabathia, Billy Wagner, and Carlos Beltrán. However, there remain 24 other players on the ballot, with statistics indicating that 11 of them are currently projected to receive less than the five percent voting support required to remain eligible for future ballots. This situation has been tracked diligently by Ryan Thibodaux and his team. Notably, Wagner is at risk as well, as he must attain 75 percent of the vote in his tenth and final year of eligibility to avoid being removed from consideration.
While the focus shifts towards predictions for the upcoming votes, it is worthwhile to assess the players who may likely be removed from the ballot. These 11 individuals have been ranked based on their Hall of Fame credentials, and each possesses a compelling case for inclusion in the Hall of Very Good.
Fernando Rodney is highlighted for his 327 career saves over 17 seasons, ranking 19th in MLB history for saves. He achieved notable success during his prime from 2012 to 2014, presenting a 2.21 ERA while pitching for the Tampa Bay Rays and Seattle Mariners. Carlos González’s exceptional peak performance with the Colorado Rockies lends credence to his case, characterized by four consecutive 20/20 seasons. Meanwhile, Adam Jones distinguished himself as an elite center fielder during his time with the Baltimore Orioles, accumulating five All-Star selections and four Gold Gloves. Other noteworthy candidates include Russell Martin and Brian McCann, each recognized for their contributions at the catcher position, and players such as Hanley Ramírez and Ben Zobrist, who showcased versatility and remarkable achievements across their careers.