The Braves’ season may be ending without a playoff berth, but there’s still a major storyline in Atlanta: the push for Drake Baldwin to win National League Rookie of the Year.
Baldwin, who has taken over as Atlanta’s everyday catcher, has become the centerpiece of a race that also includes Cubs right-hander Cade Horton and several Milwaukee rookies.
For Atlanta, this campaign is about more than individual accolades — Baldwin’s success ties directly into the Braves’ future and even carries draft implications under MLB’s rookie award system.
Teammates Lobby Hard for Baldwin
Inside the clubhouse, Baldwin’s teammates have made their case loud and clear. Matt Olson praised the rookie’s offensive impact, noting that Baldwin’s ability to handle a full catching load “is worth extra points.”
Pitcher Joey Wentz added, “He doesn’t play like a rookie.” Manager Brian Snitker has gone even further, calling Baldwin a “no-brainer” choice for Rookie of the Year, citing his clutch at-bats and calm presence behind the plate.
This level of public lobbying is rare — and it signals just how much Baldwin has already earned the respect of veterans.
Baldwin’s Case by the Numbers
Through Sept. 23, Baldwin has produced a .273/.345/.467 slash line with 15 home runs and 2.5 WAR, per FanGraphs. His framing metrics and caught-stealing rates also place him among the NL’s most effective young catchers.
By contrast, Horton has impressed with the Cubs’ rotation, while Milwaukee’s rookies — including Durbin, Patrick, and Collins — have each contributed in spurts. The race is close, but Baldwin’s dual impact as a hitter and full-time catcher strengthens his case.
Why It Matters for Braves’ Future
Winning Rookie of the Year does more than give Baldwin hardware. Under MLB’s collective bargaining agreement, it would award the Braves an extra draft pick after the first round — a significant long-term benefit.
For a franchise that has invested heavily in developing talent, Baldwin’s emergence provides both immediate stability at catcher and future pipeline rewards. It’s a win-win that explains why teammates are campaigning so hard on his behalf.
What It Means Beyond the Award
Whether Baldwin takes home the Rookie of the Year trophy or not, his rise has reshaped the Atlanta Braves’ outlook. What began as an audition has turned into a foundation piece for 2026 and beyond.
The clubhouse’s push shows how much Baldwin means already — and winning the award would only reinforce that Atlanta’s next core is taking shape right now.
