Another year has passed, and another set of legends has found their rightful place in Cooperstown. But while Adrian Beltre, Joe Mauer, and Todd Helton got inducted into the Hall of Fame, things weren’t so good for other candidates. While the journey will continue for next year, two names will have everyone’s attention: the former New York Yankees superstars: Ichiro Suzuki and CC Sabathia.

With 2025 marking their first year of eligibility, there’s a chance we might see history being made. While there’s little doubt about the Hall-of-Fame credentials of these two legends, could they accomplish the increasingly rare feat of entering Cooperstown on the first ballot itself?

The New York Yankees duo looking to join an elusive list

After the entry of Beltre, Mauer, and Helton, the total number of players to enter the hall of fame in their first year has grown to 60. Only 60 out of 342 Hall of Famers got in on their first round. Now Ichiro Suzuki and CC Sabathia aim to join that elusive list. While things look good for Suzuki, Sabathia might have to work a little harder for it.

Suzuki was already an iconic figure before even stepping foot in the United States. A legendary figure in the NPB, he was one of the highest-profile entries into the Major Leagues. Taking to the MLB like fish takes to water, Suzuki won the Rookie of the Year and AL MVP awards in 2001. For eleven years, he was the icon and cornerstone of the Seattle Mariners.

Later, he joined the Yankees in 2012 and remained there for two years. According to Baseball Reference, with 3,089 hits, a record 262 hits in 2004, and 10 All-Star seasons, Suzuki’s first-ballot chances are remarkably high. Could he join Mariano Rivera as a unanimous entry? In the case of Sabathia, however, the extreme volatility and choosiness of the voters might come into play.

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With 251 wins and 3,093 strikeouts, Sabathia sits in the upper echelon of pitchers. Combined with a Cy Young award and a World Series ring, a Hall of Fame induction is all but obvious. But the slump in the latter part of his career could lead to doubts over a first-ballot entrance. But currently, they look like the most sure-fire inductees of 2025.

The Hall of Fame candidates after 2024

Billy Wagner barely missed the induction with 73.8% of the votes, with next year being his last—could the 10th time be a charm for him? At the same time, Alex Rodriguez surprisingly got 34.8% of the votes, less than the 35.7% he received last year. On the other hand, Gerry Sheffield failed in his last attempt with 63.9% of the votes.

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Carlos Beltran’s 57.1% also instills hope for future induction, but as of now, the only names that look like sure-fire entries next year are Ichiro Suzuki and CC Sabathia. Will they join that elusive list?