Two Yankees Stars Set to Receive Baseball’s Highest Honor in 2025
Follow Us
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
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
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.
Trending
Alex Verdugo a Dad Again Soon: Everything to Know about His Girlfriend Yamille Alcala
March 26, 2024 01:00 PM EDT
MLB Reports: $500 Million Price Tag Attached to Oakland Athletics’ Desire to Leave California for Las Vegas
April 30, 2024 05:00 PM EDT
“English Lessons Paying Off”: Dave Roberts Unveils the Key to Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s Recent Exploits For the Dodgers
May 02, 2024 06:00 PM EDT
MLB Reports: Suspensions and Fines Sanctioned For Tampa Bays Manager and Players Involved In Bench-Clearing Incident
May 01, 2024 08:24 PM EDT
“Ruins My Day”: Panic Sets In For Houston Astros Fans As Angel Hernandez Returns for Justin Verlander’s Start
May 01, 2024 05:00 PM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest MLB stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
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.
Watch This Story: “F**king Hard Work..” – Controversial MLB Legend Agrees With Barry Bonds on Divisive Steroid Era Cooperstown Debate
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.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
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.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
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?
Edited by:
Riya Singhal