The second group of players falls into the borderline category for me. While I believe they should be elected, I acknowledge that there are differing opinions on whether they meet the criteria. This year, returning candidates Andruw Jones, Jimmy Rollins, and Chase Utley are joined by CC Sabathia. Sabathia, a six-time All-Star and the 2007 AL Cy Young winner, had an impressive 19-year career with 251 wins and 3,093 strikeouts. Though I didn’t view him as a guaranteed Hall of Famer during his playing days, his career numbers speak volumes.
The third group introduces a new consideration, inviting players who may not meet the traditional Hall of Fame standards but warrant discussion. While I could have easily excluded these players and still felt satisfied with my ballot of seven, I’ve decided to include them in the conversation. Although my vote alone won’t secure their Hall of Fame induction, I want to express my support for their candidacy alongside other underrepresented players on the ballot.
Despite the current slim chances some of these players face, history has shown that perspectives can evolve over time. Players like Bert Blyleven, Tim Raines, Larry Walker, and Todd Helton started off with low vote percentages but eventually gained momentum and earned their spot in Cooperstown.
This leads me to why I am including Félix Hernández, Andy Pettitte, and Mark Buehrle on my 2025 ballot. King Félix’s consistency and competitiveness made him a joy to watch, while also challenging the notion that a pitcher’s value is solely reflected in surface statistics. Although his career numbers may not match some Hall of Fame benchmarks, his impact during his prime was undeniable. Similarly, Pettitte and Buehrle, both with over 200 wins, are deserving candidates in a changing landscape that may require reevaluation of historic standards for pitchers in the Hall of Fame.
With only two spots left on my ballot, I believe it’s important to recognize the contributions of these players who may have been overlooked in the past. By including them in the conversation, I hope to contribute to a broader discussion about the evolving criteria for Hall of Fame induction.
Veteran pitchers Andy Pettitte and Mark Buehrle have both enjoyed lengthy careers, playing key roles in World Series-winning teams. Their career statistics closely mirror each other, with Pettitte boasting an impressive postseason record of 44 playoff starts and five championship rings, while Buehrle shines with more All-Star appearances and stellar Gold Glove defense. Until now, both pitchers have lingered just below the threshold of inclusion on my Hall of Fame ballot. I’ve grappled with choosing between them, given that I’ve had one vacant spot on my ballot twice in the past four years. However, as I delved into Félix Hernández’s candidacy for the Hall of Fame, a surprising statistic caught my attention.
The Adjusted ERA (ERA+) is a metric that considers ballpark influences and standardizes it so that 100 represents an average performance. Remarkably, over the span of their careers, Hernández, Pettitte, and Buehrle all concluded with an identical 117 ERA+ rating, slightly edging out Sabathia’s 116. What was already a challenging decision between Pettitte and Buehrle became even more daunting with the addition of King Félix to the equation. Each pitcher showcased their excellence in their unique ways, and in an era where durable starting pitchers are becoming increasingly rare (as exemplified by Buehrle’s remarkable streak of 14 consecutive 200-inning seasons), it may be high time to give them the recognition they deserve.
On my 2025 Hall of Fame ballot, the players who garnered my vote include Ichiro Suzuki, CC Sabathia, Billy Wagner, Carlos Beltrán, Félix Hernández, Andy Pettitte, Mark Buehrle, Andruw Jones, Jimmy Rollins, and Chase Utley. These exceptional athletes have left an indelible mark on the sport with their remarkable skills and contributions to the game.
For the latest news and in-depth coverage, make sure to stay connected with the USA TODAY app. Download it now to access award-winning journalism, engaging crosswords, captivating audio storytelling, the eNewspaper, and more. This article was originally featured on USA TODAY, highlighting the 2025 Baseball Hall of Fame ballot and the ten deserving players who secured my vote.
