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The 2025 Hall of Fame voting cycle brought long-awaited triumph for some and lingering uncertainty for others. Three former Twins players were impacted in multiple ways, from Billy Wagner’s dramatic election to Torii Hunter’s narrow survival on the ballot. Meanwhile, the precedent set by CC Sabathia’s induction could open doors for starters, including Johan Santana, whose case remains unresolved. Here’s a closer look at how this year’s results shape some notable former Twins' Hall of Fame futures.
Wagner’s Induction Raises Questions for Joe Nathan
After a decade of climbing the ballot, Billy Wagner finally secured his place in Cooperstown in his 10th and final year of eligibility. His election validates the impact of dominant relievers in modern baseball. Still, it also brings renewed scrutiny to one of the best closers of his generation who has yet to receive his due: Joe Nathan.
Nathan’s career numbers put him in elite company. He was a six-time All-Star and the anchor of the Twins’ bullpen during their 2000s run of AL Central dominance. His résumé that holds up well compared to Wagner’s. His 2.87 career ERA is just a tick higher than Wagner’s 2.31, and his 377 career saves rank ahead of Hall of Famers like Rollie Fingers and Bruce Sutter.
Among pitchers with at least 900 innings pitched, only Wagner and Nolan Ryan have a lower Hits per Nine Innings ratio. He topped the 30-save mark in nine seasons, including accumulating 40 or more saves in four seasons. Even as a reliever, he had multiple top-five finishes in the AL Cy Young Award Voting. Also, Nathan ranks in the top-7 all-time relief pitchers using a hybrid average of WAR, WPA, and situational or context-neutral wins (WPA/LI). Even with these accolades, Nathan’s Hall of Fame candidacy was barely a consideration for the Hall of Fame electorate.
Nathan compares well to Wagner in multiple ways, but his Hall of Fame candidacy was short-lived. In 2022, he first appeared on the ballot and received 17 of 394 votes (4.3%). He fell three votes shy of staying on the ballot and received the most votes of any player who fell off the ballot that voting cycle. It was a crowded year to be on the ballot because Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, and Curt Schilling were in their final year of eligibility. Some tough choices needed to be made, with writers being limited to 10 votes per ballot.
With Wagner’s induction, Nathan’s case for Cooperstown gains new relevance, but his path is now solely in the hands of the Eras Committee. His dominance during his peak, particularly in Minnesota, should put him on their radar, but relievers have historically faced an uphill battle.
Torii Hunter Stays Alive, And Gains Hope from Andruw Jones
Torii Hunter entered this election cycle teetering on the edge of ballot elimination, needing 5% of the vote to remain in consideration. He finished just one vote above that threshold in a tight race, keeping his candidacy alive for at least another year.
Hunter’s case for the Hall has always been a difficult one. He was never the game’s best hitter, but his blend of power (353 home runs) and defense (nine Gold Gloves) made him one of the most well-rounded outfielders of his era. His 50.2 career WAR (per Baseball Reference) puts him in a gray area, better than some Hall of Famers but behind clear-cut inductees. His defensive impact in center field helped define his era, a rare achievement in a sport increasingly driven by offense. He is one of seven players in MLB history with 350+ home runs and 9+ Gold Gloves.
One factor working in Hunter’s favor is the recent momentum for Jones, another elite defensive outfielder from the same era. Jones saw his vote total rise from near-elimination (7.3% in 2018) to over 66% in 2025, putting him within striking distance of Cooperstown. If Jones can break through in the coming years, it could bolster the argument for other elite defenders, including Hunter.
Next year’s ballot also presents a window of opportunity. With no surefire first-ballot inductees debuting in 2026, Hunter has a chance to make meaningful progress. He could eventually position himself for serious consideration if he can begin a steady climb like Jones.
CC Sabathia’s Election Could Help Starters Like Johan Santana
One of the biggest stories of the 2025 election was Sabathia’s first ballot induction. As a true workhorse in an era where complete games became rare, Sabathia’s election signals that voters are willing to recognize starting pitchers. This group has been underrepresented in recent years. That could be good news for another former Twins ace, Johan Santana.
Santana, a two-time Cy Young winner and arguably the best pitcher in baseball from 2004-2008, fell off the ballot in his first year of eligibility, receiving only 2.4% of the vote in 2018. His relatively short career (12 seasons) hurt his case, but his peak was as dominant as any pitcher of his time. His 2006 season, in which he won the AL Triple Crown for pitchers, remains one of the greatest performances in modern history.
With Sabathia’s induction, voters may reconsider how they evaluate starting pitchers. If peak dominance starts carrying more weight than longevity, Santana should receive renewed attention through the Eras Committee. Other pitchers with short but elite peaks, such as Sandy Koufax, have made it to Cooperstown, and Santana’s case deserves similar consideration.
The 2025 Hall of Fame class brought celebration for some and frustration for others. Wagner’s election shines a spotlight on overlooked relievers like Nathan. Hunter narrowly survived elimination and has a path forward, especially if Jones reaches Cooperstown. Meanwhile, Sabathia’s induction could change how voters evaluate pitchers, which may eventually benefit Santana.
For Twins fans, these results highlight the challenges and opportunities facing former franchise greats. The road to Cooperstown is rarely straightforward, but the conversation isn't over for Nathan, Hunter, and Santana.
Who out of this trio should make the Hall of Fame? Leave a comment and start this discussion.
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