Braves: Andruw Jones inches closer to the Hall of Fame

The 2025 MLB Hall of Fame results delivered a mix of disappointment and hope for Braves fans. Legendary outfielder Andruw Jones fell short with 66.2% of the vote, but his continued upward trend indicates he’s on track to eventually earn his place in Cooperstown. Meanwhile, former Braves closer Billy Wagner finally received his well-deserved induction in his 10th and final year on the ballot.

There are about a million stats that suggest Andruw Jones should be a Hall-of-Famer. He’s the best defensive outfielder in the history of the sport. That alone should be enough to get him in, but he also did it while blasting 434 homers over his career.

Over a 10-year stretch, Jones was among the best all-around players in baseball. What seems to have turned voters off is how abruptly the production stopped. After entering the league as a 19-year-old, Jones was on track to becoming one of the best players in the history of the game, but he never produced a season with more than 2.0 WAR after the age of 30. His career essentially ended once he left Atlanta for Los Angeles, in large part because he failed to take care of his body.

That understandably has clouded the judgment of many voters when considering his career. However, he still did more over his 10-year prime than many other Hall of Famers did over a much longer period. Andruw Jones is one of just four players with 400+ home runs and 10+ Gold Gloves. The other three — Ken Griffey Jr., Mike Schmidt, and Willie Mays — are not only in the Hall of Fame but regarded as the best players at their position.

Wagner’s induction represents a victory for relief pitchers and Braves fans alike. Over his career, he recorded a 2.31 ERA and 422 saves (sixth all-time). His strikeout rate of 33.2% is the best ever among relievers with at least 500 innings. Wagner’s final season with Atlanta in 2010 was historic, as he posted a 1.43 ERA with 37 saves, setting the tone for the modern power closer. His enshrinement reflects a growing appreciation for dominant relievers, a promising sign for future candidates in similar roles. 

For Braves fans, Wagner’s induction offers hope that Jones will soon join him in Cooperstown. Voters are gradually shifting to recognize specialized dominance and peak performance, trends that play in Jones’ favor. While it’s bittersweet that Andruw Jones wasn’t part of this year’s class, the momentum is undeniable, and his Hall of Fame moment feels closer than ever.