NEW YORK (AP) — Ichiro Suzuki may soon make history as the first Japanese player to be inducted into baseball’s Hall of Fame. The results of the writers’ voting, set to be announced Tuesday, could also see CC Sabathia, Billy Wagner, and Carlos Beltrán joining him in this prestigious honor. Those who receive at least 75% of the votes from the Baseball Writers’ Association of America will be welcomed into the Hall at Cooperstown on July 27, alongside Dave Parker and Dick Allen, who were elected last month by the classic era committee.
If Suzuki secures this honor, he would follow in the footsteps of Mariano Rivera as the only unanimous picks for Cooperstown. Rivera remains the sole player to have received a 100% vote from the BBWAA, appearing on all 425 ballots in 2019. Suzuki, who arrived in Major League Baseball from Japan in 2001 at the age of 27, achieved notable feats such as winning the AL Rookie of the Year and AL MVP in the same season, a milestone only previously reached by Fred Lynn in 1975. His illustrious career includes being a two-time AL batting champion, a 10-time All-Star and Gold Glove outfielder, with impressive stats of a .311 batting average, 117 home runs, 780 RBIs, and 509 stolen bases while playing for Seattle, the New York Yankees, and Miami.
CC Sabathia, a six-time All-Star, claimed the 2007 AL Cy Young Award and a World Series title in 2009 during his 19-season career with Cleveland, Milwaukee, and the New York Yankees. Billy Wagner, known for his exceptional pitching skills, tallied 422 saves and a 2.31 ERA during his time with Houston, Philadelphia, the New York Mets, Boston, and Atlanta. Carlos Beltrán, a nine-time All-Star, showcased his talents across various teams, leaving a legacy with his .279 batting average, 435 home runs, 1,587 RBIs, and 312 stolen bases.
These potential Hall of Famers sit amongst other notable players on the ballot, while others like Alex Rodriguez and Manny Ramírez face challenges in their voting due to past suspensions for performance-enhancing drugs. The anticipation for the upcoming Hall of Fame inductions is building as baseball fans await the announcement of the newest members of this esteemed group.
In the latest roster updates across Major League Baseball, notable players such as outfielder Carlos González, infielders Dustin Pedroia and Hanley Ramírez, and reliever Fernando Rodney have made their mark alongside a talented group of newcomers. This fresh infusion of talent includes the likes of veteran second baseman Ian Kinsler, versatile player Ben Zobrist, defensive stalwart shortstop Troy Tulowitzki, experienced catchers Russell Martin and Brian McCann, as well as outfielders Curtis Granderson and Adam Jones.
The evolving landscape of the MLB ballot for 2026 has also seen the entrance of esteemed pitchers Cole Hamels, Ryan Braun, and Matt Kemp. These additions promise to bring further excitement and competition to the upcoming season as teams gear up for the challenges ahead.
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