Chicago Cubs to induct Sammy Sosa, Derrek Lee into team Hall of Fame in 2025

Jed Hoyer talks the Cubs offseason developments

Cubs Convention kicked off with team president Jed Hoyer talking about the team's offseason developments, including the trade for Kyle Tucker, and more.

The Chicago Cubs opened the door for one of their greatest stars to return to the franchise in 2024. In 2025, they'll honor him like the legend he is.

Sammy Sosa will join the Cubs Hall of Fame, making up a two-person Cubs' 2025 Hall of Fame Class alongside longtime Cub Derrek Lee who will both be inducted this summer.

"The Cubs Hall of Fame Committee selected two of the greatest hitters ever to play for the Chicago Cubs. 'D-Lee' started out as a ‘Cubs Killer’ with the Marlins until he became a Cub, where he had some of his best years of his impressive career. Derrek was a rock at first base and one of the most consistent hitters in Cubs history," Ricketts said in a written statement. "Sammy Sosa was not only one of the greatest home run hitters of all time, but he was a favorite of right field bleacher fans by showing, sprinting out to right field to start each game. His defensive play was All-Star caliber in addition to his impressive all-time slugging stats."

Sosa issued an apology letter to the Cubs and Cubs fans in December, and Cubs Executive Chairman Tom Ricketts invited Sosa to the 2025 Cubs Convention. Sosa is present at the convention this weekend.

"We are privileged to have him back at the Cubs Convention so that we can celebrate with him," Ricketts said in a written statement.

This honor will bring Sosa back into the franchise's arms after a two-decade exile. The relationship between Sosa and the Cubs franchise was fractured when the franchise traded Sosa to the Baltimore Orioles in 2004. Sosa was also connected to the baseball steroid scandal that rocked the sport in the 2010s.

Inducting him into the team's hall of fame represents a firm place for Sosa in the team's future however he may see fit.

"It’s overwhelming to receive this news," Sosa said in a written statement. "I feel I owe so much to the Ricketts family and the Cubs organization, but also to the fans. It’s so fun to be back here in Chicago and see the fans who have meant so much to me over the years. I’m honored to be in the Cubs Hall of Fame, and I look forward to returning this summer for the ceremony."

Cubs president Jed Hoyer was asked about Sosa during a press conference and spared a few thoughts on the former Cubs sensation.

"He captivated this market for a long time," Hoyer said Friday. "There hasn't been a star like him since with the Cubs, maybe even in Chicago, since then."

Personally, Hoyer remembers feeling how the gravity around Sosa's presence felt different.

"I just remember going to a game in August of '98 against the Astros being in the bleachers, I just remember watching him run out to the field," Hoyer said. "I haven't seen anything like that before or since."

Now, Sosa will have a chance to be honored by the city he captivated for over a decade.

"I'm glad he's back," Hoyer said.

Sosa isn't the only Cubs legend being honored, as the Lee will get his due.

Lee played for the Cubs from 2004 to 2010 and was a member of Cubs teams that were so close to breaking the team's World Series curse, but struggled in the playoffs.

As a Cub, Lee hit 179 home runs, recorded 239 hits and had a .298 batting average in his seven seasons.

"My seven years with the Cubs meant so much to my family and me, both as a person and a player," Lee said in a statement. "To be included with so many greats in the Cubs Hall of Fame is humbling, something I never dreamed of. Cubs fans are the best in baseball. You guys unconditionally cheered us on and supported us through the tough times. I will forever be grateful to the Cubs fans as well as the entire Cubs organization and the Ricketts family for this honor. I would also like to thank my teammates, coaches and support staff without whom this recognition would not be possible. Wrigley Field is such a special place, and I cannot wait to return this summer."