Let’s talk about a rising name in Braves Country that’s getting some serious recognition: Drake Baldwin. If you haven’t heard his name yet, it’s time to pay attention because this kid is poised to be more than just a backup. He might just become a breakout star for Atlanta.
Here’s how the story’s been playing out: First, Baldwin absolutely lit up Triple-A. We’re talking a solid .298 batting average, a .891 OPS, and plate discipline that makes you do a double-take—only 54 strikeouts compared to 52 walks. Yeah, he’s almost even in that department. Not to mention the 12 home runs and 55 RBIs he racked up. This isn’t just “solid potential.” This is a player who’s proving he has the skill set to handle higher-level pitching.
And then came the Arizona Fall League, where Baldwin continued to dominate, posting a .942 OPS in 13 games. As if that wasn’t enough, he went international and suited up for Team USA in the Premier12 tournament. It’s not a bad resume builder for a player still climbing the ranks.
Baseball America took notice, naming him the Braves’ Minor League Player of the Year and, notably, their Top Prospect. And when MLB.com listed rookie of the year candidates for each team? You guessed it, Drake Baldwin was the Braves’ selection. He’s beating out some other heavy hitters in the farm system, like pitchers Hurston Waldrep and AJ Smith-Shawver and shortstop Nacho Alvarez Jr. These guys are no slouches either, and most of them already got a taste of the majors. But Baldwin’s potential and performance are demanding attention.
Now, you might be wondering—what’s the catch here? Isn’t Sean Murphy the Braves’ starting catcher for the foreseeable future? Absolutely. Murphy’s got that big contract and was part of that blockbuster trade. But—and it’s a significant but—Murphy hit just .193 in 2024. There’s a door swinging open for Baldwin to snag some playing time, especially since the Braves don’t have a backup catcher right now. Travis d’Arnaud? He’s off to Anaheim.
The timing couldn’t be better for Baldwin. Spring Training in 2025 is his golden ticket. If he comes out hot in March, don’t be surprised to see him suit up with the big boys right out of the gate. And once he’s there, the Rookie of the Year buzz is only going to get louder.
The prospect list might shake things up when it drops for 2025, but Baldwin’s rise doesn’t seem like a fluke. He has the stats, discipline, and consistency you want in a future star. Keep an eye on him, Braves fans—this could be the start of something really exciting.
