Billy Wagner, the legendary former Houston Astros closer, fell short of entering the Baseball Hall of Fame last January. The stars appear to align for Wagner, with projections indicating he could finally secure his spot in Cooperstown when Monday night brings the results for the Class of 2025.
Steady Progress Toward Baseball Immortality
To be inducted into the Hall of Fame, players must appear on at least 75% of ballots cast by voters. Wagner has been inching closer to this benchmark with each passing year. In 2022, he received 51% of the votes. That figure jumped to 68.1% in 2023; in 2024, he missed induction by a mere five votes.
This year, Wagner’s case appears stronger than ever. According to Ryan Thibodaux’s (@NotMrTibbs) meticulous tracking of public Hall of Fame ballots, Wagner appears on 83.5% of all votes as of the Jan. 13 update. This provides a comfortable cushion above the 75% threshold, offering hope that 2025 will finally be Wagner’s year.
A Career Worth Celebrating
Wagner’s career numbers make a compelling case for his induction. He ranks sixth on the all-time saves list and was one of the most dominant relievers of his era. During his peak years from 1997 to 2003, Wagner was second only to New York Yankees legend Mariano Rivera regarding dominance on the mound.
Despite Houston’s storied baseball history, the Astros have yet to enshrine a pitcher in the Hall of Fame. Currently, only Craig Biggio and Jeff Bagwell represent the franchise in Cooperstown. Wagner’s likely induction could change that and further cement Houston’s legacy in baseball history.
The Announcement Looms
The Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 2025 inductees will be revealed on Tuesday, Jan. 21, during a live ceremony on MLB Network. The broadcast will begin at 5 p.m. CT, and fans worldwide will eagerly tune in to see if Billy Wagner finally receives the recognition he deserves.
While there’s always a chance the final batch of votes could shift the outcome, Wagner’s exceptional resume and strong early ballot returns suggest his long wait may finally be over.