Ichiro Suzuki, CC Sabathia Headline 2025 Baseball Hall of Fame Ballot First-Timers

If you can think of a decent MLB player from the late 2000s or early 2010s, he's probably on this list.

Another successful Baseball Hall of Fame election is in the books.

This year, the Baseball Writers’ Association of America tapped former third baseman Adrián Beltré, former first baseman Todd Helton and former catcher and first baseman Joe Mauer for the game’s highest honor. All three played critical roles in the story of baseball in the 2000s—and in Beltré and Mauer’s cases, well into the 2010s.

With the Class of 2024 set, history-minded baseball fans are already turning their attention to next year's voting. Here's a capsule look (sorted by career WAR) at players eligible to appear on the ballot for the first time in 2025.

CC Sabathia, pitcher, 2001 to ’19

Dominant 250-game winner who came into his own with Cleveland before helping the New York Yankees win their most recent World Series title. Finished in the top five of the Cy Young voting five times.

Ichiro Suzuki, right fielder, 2001 to ’19

One of the most successful hitters of his or any generation whose 242-hit 2001 season ranks among the greatest debuts in any sport. His 4,367 top-level hits are a world record.

Ian Kinsler, second baseman, 2006 to ’19

Fixture of the Texas Rangers' great late-2000s teams and a four-time All-Star—never in back-to-back years, strangely enough.

Dustin Pedroia, second baseman, 2006 to ’19

Ace defender who stood just five-foot-nine and 170 pounds. Won the AL MVP award in 2008 while setting records for inspiring use of the word "scrappy."

Félix Hernández, pitcher, 2005 to ’19

Among the most beloved Seattle Mariners of all time. Won the Cy Young in 2010 despite a ho-hum 13–12 record, an early mainstream victory for the sabermetric revolution; he finished in the top 10 for the award six times.

Curtis Granderson, outfielder, 2004 to ’19

Future TV fixture generally associated with the Detroit Tigers, although his two best years probably came with the Yankees (2011 to ’12, when he hit a combined 84 home runs). His 23 triples in 2007 are a post-expansion record.

Troy Tulowitzki, shortstop, 2006 to ’17, ’19

Consistent (if injury-prone) producer on some good Colorado Rockies teams who turned an unassisted triple play in 2007, his rookie season.

Ben Zobrist, second baseman, right fielder and shortstop, 2006 to ’19

Surefire entry in a hypothetical Tampa Bay Rays all-time team, much better known for helping the Chicago Cubs win the World Series in his age-35 season.

Russell Martin, catcher, 2006 to ’19

Frequent flyer on lists of most underrated 21st-century players who either made the All-Star game or received down-ballot MVP votes with four different teams.

Hanley Ramírez, shortstop, first baseman and third baseman, 2005 to ’19

Was the Florida Marlins‘ only bright spot for a number of years, winning Rookie of the Year in ’07 and a batting title in ’09 after coming over in a trade for pitcher Josh Beckett.

Adam Jones, center fielder, 2006 to ’19

Made the Baltimore Orioles relevant for the first time in many years with back-to-back 30-home run seasons in 2012 and ’13.

Brian McCann, catcher, 2005 to ’19

A seven-time All-Star, all with the Atlanta Braves in an eight-year span from 2006 to ’13.

Martín Prado, third baseman, second baseman and left fielder, 2006 to ’19

Contact guy who hit .300 five times for the Braves and Marlins.

Carlos González, outfielder, 2008 to ’19

Three-time All-Star won the NL batting title—and nearly its MVP award—in '10.

Melky Cabrera, outfielder, 2005 to ’19

Journeyman remembered for his role on the ’09 Yankees and for incurring a season-ending PED suspension in Aug. ’12 while hitting .346.

Francisco Liriano, pitcher, 2005 to ’06, ’08 to ’19

Up-and-down hurler who no-hit the Chicago White Sox in May 2011 while walking six batters.

Jason Vargas, pitcher, 2005 to ’07, 2009 to ’19

Cobbled together an 18-win season out of nowhere for the Kansas City Royals in 2017, which landed him both an All-Star appearance and a disastrous contract with the New York Mets.

Clay Buchholz, pitcher, 2007 to ’19

Crown jewel of the Boston Red Sox farm system circa the mid-2000s who threw a no-hitter and made two All-Star teams.

Ian Desmond, shortstop, outfielder and first baseman, 2009 to ’19

Important figure in the Washington Nationals‘ rise to contender status who won Silver Sluggers every year from 2012 to ’14.

Kendrys Morales, designated hitter and first baseman, 2006 to ’10, ’12 to ’19

Solid .306 hitter with the Los Angeles Angels in 2009, unfortunately better remembered for fracturing his leg celebrating a walk-off grand slam in May 2010.

Mark Trumbo, outfielder, first baseman and designated hitter, 2010 to ’19

Unfairly maligned as a one-year wonder after hitting 47 home runs for the Orioles in 2016; he collected 95 in four years with the Angels from 2010 to ’13.

Fernando Rodney, pitcher, 2002 to ’03, ’05 to ’19

Ageless, pitching well into his age-42 season; saved 48 games for the Rays in 2012 and Mariners in ’14.

Mark Reynolds, third baseman and first baseman, 2007 to ’19

Early three-true-outcomes adherent who homered a lot (298 lifetime) and struck out even more (1,927 times, 11th all-time).