Ichiro Suzuki, CC Sabathia among first-timers on Hall of Fame ballot

Former Royals infielder Ben Zobrist is also on the ballot.

Ichiro Suzuki and CC Sabathia headline a list of 14 new candidates on the Baseball Hall of Fame ballot for enshrinement in Cooperstown. Also on the list is former Royals infielder Ben Zobrist, who was part of the championship team in 2015. Other first-timers include Carlos González, Curtis Granderson, Félix Hernández, Adam Jones, Ian Kinsler, Russell Martin, Brian McCann, Dustin Pedroia, Hanley Ramírez, Fernando Rodney, and Troy Tulowitzki.

Also on the ballot are 14 players who have been up for consideration before, including reliever Billy Wagner who will be on his last ballot. He received 73.8 percent support last year, just shy of the 75 percent needed for selection. Former Royals outfielder Carlos Beltrán received 57.1 percent of the vote last year, his candidacy tarnished by his involvement with the Astros sign-stealing scandal. Andruw Jones received 61.6 percent of the vote last year, and has seen his support steadily climb the last few years. Other returning on the ballot include Manny Ramirez, Alex Rodriguez, Chase Utley, Omar Vizquel, Bobby Abreu, Jimmy Rollins, Andy Pettitte, Mark Buerhle, Francisco Rodriguez, Torii Hunter, and David Wright.

Former Royals Jason Vargas, Kendry Morales, and Melky Cabrera were all eligible to be on the Hall of Fame ballot, but were not included. Zobrist enjoyed a 14-year career, spending just part of the 2015 season with the Royals. But his time was memorable as the Royals acquired him for a pennant push and he responded by hitting .284/.365/.452 for them in 59 games. He hit .303 in the post-season for the Royals, including .320 with two home runs in the ALCS against Toronto.

The 2025 inductees will be revealed on January 21. Also up for consideration are the eight nominees on the Classic Era ballot.

Who is on your Hall of Fame ballot?