The Baseball Hall of Fame ballot for 2025 has been announced, and several notable former Atlanta Braves players are making headlines. Whether returning contenders or fresh faces, these players bring significant achievements to the table. Their ties to Atlanta add extra intrigue for Braves fans. Let’s dive into the Braves connections on this year’s ballot.
Returning to the Ballot: Andruw Jones
Year on Ballot: Eighth
Percentage of Votes Last Year: 61.6%
Andruw Jones continues to build a strong case for Cooperstown. After starting with a mere 7.3% of the vote in his first year, Jones has surged to over 60%. This is thanks to growing recognition of his stellar career. This momentum could make 2025 the year he finally crosses the 75% threshold. It would be a perfect fit with Atlanta hosting the All-Star Game that year.
Jones’ resume is dazzling. Over 17 MLB seasons, he blasted 434 home runs, drove in 1,289 RBIs, and solidified himself as one of the greatest defensive center fielders ever. All 10 of his Gold Gloves and all five of his All-Star appearances came during his time with the Braves. In 2005, Jones finished as the NL MVP runner-up behind Albert Pujols. His recent induction into the Latin Baseball Hall of Fame only bolsters his legacy.
Billy Wagner: A Braves Connection
Year on Ballot: 10th (Final Year)
Percentage of Votes Last Year: 73.8%
Billy Wagner, one of baseball’s most dominant closers, is in his final year of eligibility and tantalizingly close to induction. Though Wagner’s tenure with the Braves lasted just one season, it was a memorable one. In 2010, he notched a 1.43 ERA with 37 saves and earned an All-Star nod.
While Wagner won’t enter Cooperstown as a Brave, Atlanta’s role in his illustrious career deserves recognition. With his 2.31 career ERA, 422 saves, and 1,196 strikeouts in 903 innings, Wagner’s numbers make a compelling argument for enshrinement.
New to the Ballot: Brian McCann
Brian McCann’s name graces the Hall of Fame ballot for the first time, and the former Braves catcher has a case to make. Over his 15-year career, McCann racked up 282 home runs and 1,018 RBIs, earning seven All-Star appearances.
While McCann doesn’t have the defensive accolades of some Hall of Fame catchers, his offensive consistency could keep him on the ballot for years to come. His career includes two stints with Atlanta—first as a homegrown star from 2005 to 2013 and then a farewell season in 2019 before retirement. There were even rumors he would get in to coaching eventually, but nothing has come of that since.
Honorable Mention: Felix Hernandez
Technically speaking, Felix Hernandez was a Brave—albeit for a brief and unusual stint. He signed with Atlanta in 2020 but opted out of the COVID-shortened season before playing a regular-season game. Braves fans can chalk this one up as a fun footnote in “King Felix’s” career.
The 2025 Hall of Fame ballot is a fascinating moment for Braves fans. Whether it’s cheering for Andruw Jones to finally secure his place in Cooperstown, reflecting on Billy Wagner’s brief but impactful time in Atlanta, or rooting for Brian McCann to gain traction, the Braves’ presence is undeniable.
