Ichiro Suzuki, CC Sabathia, Billy Wagner elected to the Hall of Fame

Carlos Beltrán is left out

The Baseball Writers of America announced they have elected Ichiro Suzuki, CC Sabathia, and Billy Wagner as their 2025 Hall of Fame inductees. Former Royals outfielder Carlos Beltrán fell short of selection on his third year of eligibility.

Ichiro Suzuki came to MLB after a prolific nine-year career in Japan where he was a three-time MVP. He spent 19 years playing in MLB with the Mariners, Yankees, and Marlins, winning MVP and Rookie of the Year in his first season, and earning ten All-Star appearances. He was a ten-time Gold Glove winner, a two-time batting champ, and he set the MLB record for hits in a season with 262 in 2004. He ended his career with 3,089 career hits, and his 2,514 singles are the sixth-most in MLB history. He was one vote shy of joining Mariano Rivera as the only unanimous selections.

Billy Wagner spent 16 years with the Astros, Phillies, Mets, Red Sox, and Braves, earning seven All-Star appearances. His 422 career saves are eighth-most all-time. His 2.31 ERA is the second-lowest among any pitcher with at least 500 relief appearances behind only Mariano Rivera. He has the highest strikeout rate for any pitcher with at least 900 innings pitched. This was the last year for consideration by the BBWAA for Wagner.

CC Sabathia pitched 19 seasons with the Indians, Brewers, and Yankees. He was a six-time All-Star and won the 2007 Cy Young Award, finishing in the top five in voting four other times. He is one of just 15 pitchers to win at least 250 games and strike out at least 3,000 hitters. He twice led the league in wins and was named 2009 ALCS MVP. He was elected on his first ballot.

Carlos Beltrán began his 20-year MLB career with the Kansas City Royals, winning 1999 Rookie of the Year. He was a nine-time All-Star, three-time Gold Glove winner, and two-time Silver Slugger winner. He had a unique blend of power and speed, hitting 435 home runs and stealing 312 bases in his career, along with 2,725 hits. He became the fourth player, after Alex Rodriguez, Barry Bonds and Willie Mays, to reach 2,500 hits, 400 homers, 300 stolen bases, and 1,000 walks. His career was later besmirched by his involvement with the 2017 Houston Astros sign-stealing scandal.

Among those that did not receive the 5 percent to stay on the ballot include Curtis Granderson, Carlos González, Adam Jones, Ian Kinsler, Russell Martin, Brian McCann, Hanley Ramirez, Fernando Rodney, Troy Tulowitzki, and former Royals infielder Ben Zobrist.

To be inducted into the Hall of Fame, a candidate must be on 75 percent of ballots. Anyone not on at least 5 percent of ballots will be removed next year. Players can be considered for up to ten years. Suzuki, Sabathia, and Wagner will be inducted on July 27 in Cooperstown along with Dick Allen and Dave Parker, who were elected by the Classic Baseball Era Committee.