Hall of Fame Candidates Breakdown

First-Ballot Inductees

Ichiro Suzuki (99.7%) and CC Sabathia (86.8%) became the first-time Hall of Fame inductees along with Billy Wagner in his 10th year.

Notable Omissions

Notable players who were shut out on the ballot include Casey Blake, Josh Byrnes, Barry Bonds, Mike Cameron, Coco Crisp, Curtis Granderson, Dan Haren, A.J. Pierzynski, Adam Dunn, Brad Hawpe, Jedd Gyorko, Robinson Canó, Matt Kemp, Jake Westbrook, Jorge Polanco, Carlos Villanueva, and Michael Cuddyer.

Catchers in the Waiting

Catchers Matt Martin and Russell Martin, known for their exceptional defensive skills, continue to be overlooked by voters, despite being comparable to previously elected catchers.

Second Base Standouts

Ian Kinsler, Dustin Pedroia, and Chase Utley all have high WAR and JAWS scores as second basemen. Kinsler and Pedroia have similar numbers, with Pedroia's career being cut short by injuries.

Hunter, Wright, and 2025 Outlook

Torii Hunter lost ground in votes compared to last year. CH One voter projected a 91% chance he will fall off the BBWAA ballot. However, Wright may gain momentum as the field thins out on future ballots.

Wagner's Coattails

Wagner's induction may have helped boost votes for Francisco Rodríguez, who received a slight increase but still trails Wagner statistically. Unlike Wagner, Rodríguez faces scrutiny due to domestic violence charges.

Buehrle Bides His Time

Mark Buehrle remains on the ballot despite a modest debut share. The debate over starting pitcher standards is evolving, and Buehrle may persist to gain traction for future committee consideration.

Pedroia's Positive Narrative

Dustin Pedroia received a strong debut share, boosted by his awards, championships, and positive narrative hooks. While he may not make an overwhelming impact, Pedroia could see a surge in support over time.

Vizquel's Continuing Struggle

Omar Vizquel lost one of his remaining years of eligibility and gained only a few votes, despite efforts to rehabilitate his image. His low voter approval remains a significant roadblock.

Rollins Shadowed by Utley

Jimmy Rollins saw a modest improvement in votes, but not on par with his double-play partner Chase Utley's significant gain. Rollins dropped Utley in favor of Abreu, while another voter maintained Rollins but removed Utley.

Abreu's Slow Progress

Bobby Abreu gained slightly but remains behind in the race. He has struggled to make headway on ballots that prioritize low candidate numbers, indicating a need for broader support.

Hernandez Continues Conversation

Félix Hernández made a strong debut despite statistical shortages. His election reignites the discussion on starting pitcher standards, providing an opportunity to assess the value of postseason performance in career assessments.

Pettitte Rises with Changing Landscape

Andy Pettitte more than doubled his 2024 support. His similarities to Sabathia in terms of won-loss record and ERA suggest that the table is set for further debate about starting pitcher qualifications.

Manny and A-Rod Remain Unchanged

Manny Ramirez and Alex Rodriguez saw a net loss in votes, indicating that their PED offenses continue to hinder their Hall of Fame chances. Ramirez enters his final year of eligibility facing low expectations for a surge in support.

Utley Earns Respect

Chase Utley received a significant boost in votes, despite facing a drop in private support. His impressive advanced metrics and strong career have earned him a place near the Maris Line, putting him in contention for election.

Andruw Jones' Controversies

Andruw Jones increased his voter support but remains short of a surefire election. Some voters have cited his domestic violence arrest as disqualifying, resulting in a high negative differential on private ballots. However, his exceptional defensive skills and WAR ranking may still lead to his induction.

Beltran on Cusp of Induction

Carlos Beltrán fell just short of election, but his high vote totals suggest he is poised for induction in the next year. His strong performance in the stolen base, OPS, and JAWS metrics indicates a high likelihood of his election in his final year.

Wagner Sets a Mark

Billy Wagner's emotional reaction upon receiving the Hall of Fame call underscores the significance of his election. He becomes the fourth player to receive at least 82% of the vote in their final year of eligibility.

Nathan and Relief Candidates

Joe Nathan, despite strong R-JAWS, failed to receive enough votes to stay on the ballot. It may take some time for candidates like Kenley Jansen and Craig Kimbrel to reach Hall of Fame status.

Ichiro's Nearing Unanimity

Ichiro Suzuki's close to unanimous election highlights his exceptional career. Only one voter excluded him, sparking a debate about whether the oversight was an error. Suzuki's reverence for the Hall and his frequent visits reflect his appreciation for the game's history.

More to Come in Electoral Outlook

Despite the conclusion of the election, there is still more to discuss. In the next installment, we will provide a five-year electoral outlook, examining potential candidates and trends that may shape future Hall of Fame inductions.