The Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 2025 brought celebrations for two iconic former Yankees, CC Sabathia and Ichiro Suzuki, but for Alex Rodriguez, it was another year of disappointment. On the ballot for the fourth consecutive year, Rodriguez saw progress, earning 37.1% of the vote—a personal best—but remained far from the 75% threshold required for induction.

Why Alex Rodriguez’s Hall of Fame case divides baseball fans and voters alike

Despite an undeniable resume featuring three AL MVP awards, 696 home runs, 3,115 hits, 14 All-Star appearances, and a pivotal role in the Yankees’ 2009 World Series championship, Rodriguez’s Hall of Fame case continues to be overshadowed by his ties to performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs). His past violations of MLB’s PED policy have left voters divided, with many unwilling to overlook the controversies, regardless of his on-field achievements.

Unless there’s a significant shift in sentiment over the next six years—the maximum remaining time Alex Rodriguez has on the ballot—it’s unlikely he’ll earn the votes necessary for enshrinement. His legacy remains a flashpoint for debate: Is it possible to separate the numbers from the scandals?

Alex Rodriguez, however, appeared unbothered by the snub, taking to social media to celebrate the achievements of his former teammates.

“Congratulations to Ichiro Suzuki on being inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame! Without a doubt one of the greatest pure hitters I’ve ever seen,” Alex Rodriguez wrote on X, sharing a photo of the two celebrating together.

He also paid tribute to CC Sabathia, a key figure in the Yankees’ 2009 championship team: “.@CC_Sabathia is one of the best teammates ever! We became a championship team when he joined our roster in 2009. Congratulations on being inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame big guy! Well deserved,” Rodriguez posted, including photos of their time together.

These heartfelt messages highlighted a gracious side of Alex Rodriguez, even as his own Hall of Fame fate hangs in the balance. While he continues to receive support from a portion of voters, many remain steadfast in their stance against players associated with PEDs, viewing their inclusion as a compromise of the Hall’s integrity.

Alex Rodriguez’s situation underscores the larger debate surrounding the Hall of Fame’s standards and the legacy of the so-called “Steroid Era.” For some, his extraordinary talent and numbers should speak louder than his mistakes; for others, the violations disqualify him from baseball’s highest honor.

As Sabathia and Ichiro rightly take their place among baseball’s immortals, Alex Rodriguez’s future in Cooperstown remains uncertain. His career stats and accomplishments are Hall-worthy, but his controversies have kept him on the outside looking in—a reality he seems to have come to terms with, at least publicly. For now, Rodriguez is left to celebrate the success of others while the baseball world continues to debate his place in history.