One of the biggest events of January for Major League Baseball is almost here: the MLB Hall Of Fame ballot reveal. Each year, legendary former players are compiled on a ballot, and voted on by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America. While only a few players are voted into the Hall of Fame each year, each are legendary in their own right.
This year, 14 new players who all retired in 2019 are gracing the ballot. For these first timers, big moments and success in their former positions allowed them to be in this position. Let's get to know these potential future Hall of Famers.
Ichiro Suzuki
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Perhaps the biggest name on the list is Ichiro Suzuki. A star outfielder in Japan, Suzuki came to the United States in 2001 to pursue a MLB career, and finished his first season with the best rookie season in history. During his 18 year career, Suzuki set the record for most hits in a single season, reached 200 hits in each of his first 10 seasons, and retired with a .311 average. Suzuki is almost a lock to make it in the Hall of Fame during his first year on the ballot.
CC Sabathia
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Another one of the biggest names on the ballot is left-handed pitcher CC Sabathia. Sabathia is one of the most decorated left-handers of all time, being only the third to reach 250 wins and 3,000 strikeouts. Over his 19-year career, Sabathia won a Cy Young award, and won the 2009 World Series with the New York Yankees.
Dustin Pedroia
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Over his 14-year MLB career, Dustin Pedroia developed into one of the most beloved players for the Boston Red Sox. Pedroia ended his career with a .299 lifetime batting average, as well as ranks in the top 10 in Red Sox history in hits, doubles, runs scored, stolen bases, total bases, and WAR. Pedroia was the AL Rookie of the Year in 2007, the AL MVP in 2008, and a two-time World Series champion.
Félix Hernández
Courtesy of Rod Mar / New York Times
Mariners legend Félix Hernández is one of the most well-known pitchers of the last decade. Over a 15-year career, Hernandez won two ERA titles, and won a Cy Young Award in 2010. Hernandez is most known for throwing the 23rd perfect game in MLB history, which was left untouched until 2023. Hernandez retired with the best WAR in Seattle Mariners history.
Ian Kinsler
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Over his 14 season career, Ian Kinsler was known for his speed. Kinsler is one of 34 players who had four seasons with 60 extra-base hits and 20 steals. He was also a two-time member of the 30-30 club (30 home runs and 30 stolen bases). Kinsler finished his career with 257 total home runs, and a World Series win with the Red Sox in 2018.
Troy Tulowitzki
Courtesy of Ron Chenoy / USA Today Sports
If it weren’t for injuries, Troy Tulowitzki would have had one of the most impressive resumes for a shortstop. During his time with the Colorado Rockies, Tulowitzki had a .299 batting average with 188 home runs. Tulowitzki was always placed with the highest regarded shortstops, however, his health kept him from having a long career.
Ben Zobrist
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Out of everyone on this list, Ben Zobrist had the most unique ability during his time in MLB. Zobrist was known for being a super-utility player, and found himself playing everywhere on the field, except catcher. Zobrist was a two-time World Series champion, and was named the World Series MVP in 2016.
Curtis Granderson
Courtesy of Major League Baseball Players Association
During his 16 season career, Curtis Granderson was known for his power. He had his most impactful two seasons with the Yankees, where he hit over 40 home runs, and finished fourth in the AL MVP voting. Granderson had 1,800 hits, 1,217 runs scored, and 937 RBIs throughout his career.
Adam Jones
Courtesy of Brad Mills / USA Today Sports
Adam Jones was known for his time with the Baltimore Orioles, where he made five All-Star games and won a Silver Slugger Award. However, Jones’ most iconic moment came in the 2017 World Baseball Classic, where he made a home run-saving catch for Team USA.
Hanley Ramírez
Courtesy of John Tlumacki / Boston Globe
Early in his career, Hanley Ramírez was a lock for the Hall of Fame, with a NL Rookie of the Year award and a batting title under his belt. However, injuries did limit him for the second-half of his 15-year career.
Russell Martin
Courtesy of Vaughn Ridley / Getty Images
When it comes to catchers, Russell Martin was one of the best in this last decade. Martin is the only catcher in MLB history to have double-digit home runs and steals in each of his first three seasons. Martin is also one of three catchers to have 100 home runs and 100 stolen bases since 1900.
Brian McCann
Courtesy of Kevin Liles / USA Today Sports
Brian McCann was known for being another one of the best offensive catchers in recent history. His most prolific achievement over his 15-year career was finishing 10 seasons with at least 20 home runs, with only three other catchers having more seasons.
Fernando Rodney
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During his time in the league, Fernando Rodney was best known for being a dominant closer, and appearing on many different teams. His best season had to have been 2012 when he played for the Tampa Bay Rays, posting a 0.60 ERA and earning 48 saves. Rodney saved 327 games throughout his career, and recorded at least one save for nine different teams, which is tied for the MLB record.
Carlos González
Courtesy of David Zalubowski / Associated Press
Carlos González spent 10 of his 12 seasons in MLB with the Colorado Rockies, and is in the top five of most of their major categories (hits, runs, home runs, and total bases).
Edited by Giana Robertaccio
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