The voting results of the 2025 Hall of Fame served mixed outcomes for several ex-Minnesota Twins standouts, including Billy Wagner, Torii Hunter, and Johan Santana. Wagner’s much-anticipated induction after a decade on the ballot, coupled with Hunter’s razor-thin survival, stirred a swirl of emotions. Santana, on the other hand, continues to be a topic of considerable debate amid his unresolved status. Let’s take a more in-depth exploration of how the current 2025 outcomes could influence the prospects of these ex-Twins for the Hall of Fame.
Billy Wagner’s pathway to Cooperstown after 10 long years of candidacy left some significant impacts on former Twins players, especially on the seasoned closer, Joe Nathan. Examining Wagner’s induction opens the possibility of recognizing the role of modern baseball’s elite relievers on a larger scale. However, it also puts Nathan’s contribution to the sport, which was substantial in his era, under renewed examination.
For many, Joe Nathan was one of the defining closers of his generation. His impeccable career stats place him within an exceptional bracket. Honored as an All-Star six times, Nathan was the core of the Twins’ bullpen, contributing significantly to their domination of the AL Central during the 2000s. Despite his indispensable role, he has yet to receive the acknowledgment he warrants.
Nathan’s outstanding career witnessed a sophisticated balance of accomplishments. His career ERA of 2.87, although only marginally more than Wagner’s 2.31, still speaks volumes of his competitive performance. Among the many closers inducted to the Hall of Fame like Rollie Fingers and Bruce Sutter, Nathan’s total of 377 saves ranks supreme. Moreover, only he, along with Wagner and Nolan Ryan, can claim a lower Hits per Nine Innings ratio, given they’ve pitched at least 900 innings.
Nathan exhibited consistency and dominance through his career. In a total of nine seasons, he crossed the 30-save mark, including four seasons with over 40 saves. As a relief pitcher, Nathan’s commanding display earned him spots among the top five for the AL Cy Young Award Voting multiple times. Consequently, he finds himself among the top seven relief pitchers, using a combined measure of WAR, WPA, and context-neutral wins (WPA/LI).
Notwithstanding these achievements, Nathan’s candidature received skim consideration from the Hall of Fame voters. As Wagner’s induction instigates renewed interest, Nathan’s case strengthens in relevance. However, it remains subject to the discretion of the Eras Committee. Although relievers have always faced firm challenges in this scenario, Nathan’s tremendous performance, especially during his peak in Minnesota, makes him a worthy contender.
Barely avoiding removal from the ballot this election cycle was Torii Hunter, who secured just enough votes to keep his chances for induction alive for another year. Hunter’s journey towards the Hall of Fame presents certain complications. While not often considered the top hitter of his time, his combination of offensive strength (353 home runs) and remarkable defensive prowess (nine Gold Gloves) framed him as one of the most well-rounded outfielders of his generation.
Hunter’s cumulative career WAR registers at 50.2, according to Baseball Reference. This puts him between established Hall of Famers and those teetering on the edge, in a seemingly indeterminate region. His impact on the defensive side from the center field was instrumental during his era, an impressive feat given offensive capabilities typically drive the sport’s evolution.
The recent surge for Andruw Jones, also a defensively-sound outfielder from Hunter’s era, provides a glimmer of hope for Hunter’s candidature. Jones close escape from elimination to soaring above 66% in 2025 sets him up as a potential inductee. His progress could strengthen the case for proficient defenders like Hunter, adding momentum to their cause.
Certain shifts in voter preferences that emerged during the 2025 voting may also impact Hunter’s chances. With no strong contenders making their debut induction in 2026, Hunter might succeed in advancing considerably in the voting process.
In the 2025 Hall of Fame election, CC Sabathia’s first-ballot induction stood out as a significant event. Sabathia’s induction, with his reputation as a reliable workhorse in an era when complete games were fading, signifies a potential change in voters’ perspectives towards starting pitchers. This shift offers a beacon of hope for another Twins’ star, Johan Santana, who has been undervalued in recent years.
Santana’s credentials as a two-time Cy Young winner establish him as one of the significant pitchers between 2004 and 2008. Despite an impressive career scale, Santana had a relatively short 12 seasons stint, which severely undermined his candidature. However, his peak performance outshined others, with his 2006 AL Triple Crown-winning season etched as one of modern baseball’s finest.
CC Sabathia’s induction may prompt the voters to reassess how they perceive starting pitchers, opening avenues for Santana. If peak performance becomes a deciding factor over long-term contribution, Santana may receive renewed consideration by the Eras Committee. Other pitchers with impressive but short-lived peaks, like Sandy Koufax, have already found their place in Cooperstown, bringing Santana’s case under deserved deliberation.
The 2025 Hall of Fame induction was rife with victories for some and disappointments for others. Wagner’s induction, in particular, emphasizes the significance of underappreciated relief pitchers such as Nathan. Despite barely escaping elimination, Hunter still stands a fighting chance, particularly if Jones is finally inducted. On the other hand, Sabathia’s induction may incite a change in how voters evaluate and treat pitchers, potentially benefitting Santana in the process.
For the Twins’ followers, these outcomes underscore the mosaic of challenges and opportunities that their former stars confront in their journey towards Cooperstown. While the road may be complex and ambiguous, the dialogue around Nathan, Hunter, and Santana’s induction is assuredly not concluded.