Hall of Fame Tracker: The Road to Cooperstown

With about 5.7% of ballots known, things are about where we expected them to be.

Ichiro Suzuki leads all candidates with 100%. Few players were as iconic and impactful as the Mariners great and the only question surrounding him was whether or not he would be a unanimous selection.

Another first-time candidate, Cy Young Winner and six-time All-Star CC Sabathia is currently trending at about 90%.

Finally, legendary flame throwing closer Billy Wagner is currently over the hump at 82%.

While it is looking good for all three candidates, private ballots tend to decrease vote totals anywhere 3-7% so Wagner supports will hoping that his totals increase by a few percentage points on the public ballots to ensure his election.

A candidate needs 75% of the vote to be elected. Wagner fell five votes short last year.

Other notable names on the ballot include centre fielders Carlos Beltran and Andruw Jones, currently both hovering around 50%. The fact that Jones, arguably the greatest defensive centre fielder ever, has not been elected yet is a point of contention among fans, writers, and former players.

Others trying to move up the ladder include Omar Vizquel, Andy Pettitte, Chase Utley, David Wright, and Bobby Abreu as well as first-timers Felix Hernandez and Dustin Pedroia.

There are four former Blue Jays on the Ballot. While Curtis Granderson, Russell Martin, and Troy Tulowitzki have yet to receive a single vote and will most likely fall off the ballot, former pitcher Mark Buehrle is currently sitting at about 13.6%, up from his 2024 totals.

While he still has a long way to go before induction, he should get over the 5% threshold and survive another year.

While many analysts are predicting inductions for Ichiro, Sabathia, and Wagner, it remains to be seen who will join previously announced special ballot inductees Dick Allen and Dave Parker in Cooperstown in July.

The results will be announced on January 21st. For the most accurate and up-to-date results, visit Ryan Thibodaux's Hall of Fame Tracker.