The ink has barely dried on the 2024 Hall of Fame voting results, with three new inductees set to join the ranks of baseball legends this summer, but it’s never too early to turn our gaze toward the future. The Class of 2025 ballot promises a crowded field, with intriguing first-year candidates and seasoned players looking to secure their spot in Cooperstown.
2025 Ballot: A First-Year Extravaganza
First-year candidates:
- Melky Cabrera
- David Freese
- Carlos Gomez
- Carlos Gonzalez
- Curtis Granderson
- Felix Hernandez
- Edwin Jackson
- Adam Jones
- Ian Kinsler
- Francisco Liriano
- Russell Martin
- Brian McCann
- Kendrys Morales
- Dustin Pedroia
- Martin Prado
- Hanley Ramirez
- Mark Reynolds
- Fernando Rodney
- CC Sabathia
- Ichiro Suzuki
- Troy Tulowitzki
- Ben Zobrist
Final year on the ballot:
- Billy Wagner
With a staggering 22 eligible candidates for the Class of 2025, nearly double the number of first-year candidates in the previous year, voters face a challenging decision-making process. Notable names like Ichiro Suzuki and CC Sabathia headline the list, with Ichiro almost certain to become a first-ballot Hall of Famer, potentially achieving a historic unanimous selection. Meanwhile, Billy Wagner enters his final year of eligibility, hoping to secure the votes needed for induction after coming close in 2024.
2026 Ballot: A Balanced Lineup
First-year candidates:
- Ryan Braun
- Shin-Soo Choo
- Edwin Encarnacion
- Gio Gonzalez
- Alex Gordon
- Cole Hamels
- Matt Kemp
- Howie Kendrick
- Nick Markakis
- Daniel Murphy
- Hunter Pence
- Rick Porcello
- Neil Walker
Final year on the ballot:
- Manny Ramirez
With 13 new candidates, the 2026 ballot provides a more manageable selection for voters. While lacking obvious Hall of Famers, players like Ryan Braun and Cole Hamels bring intriguing cases to the table. The absence of clear frontrunners allows existing candidates such as Carlos Beltran and Andruw Jones to build support and make a stronger case for induction.
2027 Ballot: Catching Controversy and Veteran Presence
First-year candidates:
- Jake Arrieta
- Jay Bruce
- Wade Davis
- Dexter Fowler
- Todd Frazier
- J.A. Happ
- Jon Lester
- Andrew Miller
- Mitch Moreland
- Buster Posey
- Kyle Seager
- Ryan Zimmerman
- Jordan Zimmermann
Final year on the ballot:
- Andruw Jones
- Buster Posey
The 2027 class introduces intriguing candidates like Buster Posey, whose short but impactful career sparks debates about his Hall of Fame credentials. Posey’s success, coupled with the final year on the ballot for Andruw Jones, adds layers of anticipation to the voting process.
2028 Ballot: Legends in the Mix
First-year candidates:
- Zack Britton
- Lorenzo Cain
- Brock Holt
- Darren O’Day
- Yadier Molina
- Albert Pujols
- Kurt Suzuki
- Stephen Vogt
Final year on the ballot:
- Andy Pettitte
Albert Pujols headlines the Class of 2028, with the seasoned veteran almost guaranteed a first-ballot induction. The presence of defensive stalwart Yadier Molina adds intrigue, as voters weigh his contributions behind the plate against offensive benchmarks.
2029 Ballot: Cabrera’s Certain Ascent
First-year candidates known so far:
- Michael Brantley
- Miguel Cabrera
- Nelson Cruz
- Adam Wainwright
As the 2029 ballot takes shape, Miguel Cabrera stands out as a no-doubt first-ballot Hall of Famer. His illustrious career, marked by achievements comparable to Mariano Rivera and Chipper Jones, ensures a celebrated induction.
In summary, the upcoming years promise a dynamic mix of talent, controversies, and veteran presence in the Baseball Hall of Fame balloting process. As each class unfolds, fans and pundits alike will eagerly await the announcements, witnessing the enshrinement of the sport’s most revered figures.
