Atlanta’s top-catching prospect, Drake Baldwin, had everyone worried after he was scratched from the Braves Wednesday’s lineup due to an allergic reaction. Let’s clear this up before you panic and start imagining worst-case scenarios—he’s fine.
It turns out that the culprit was walnuts. The young backstop had an unexpected run-in with an ingredient he probably won’t be touching again anytime soon.
Baldwin Returns to the Braves Lineup
Baldwin is back where he belongs today. He’s behind the plate catching for Spencer Schwellenbach as the Braves take on the Nationals in North Port.
This marks the second time the duo has worked together this spring, and Braves fans are eager to see more of what Baldwin can bring to the table after his impressive 2024 campaign.
Let’s talk about why Baldwin has people so excited. Before his brief absence, the 24-year-old was putting together a stellar spring. In 10 games, he slashed .368/.520/.474—not bad for a guy still proving himself at the big-league level.
He has no home runs yet, but his plate discipline has been impeccable. In 25 plate appearances, he struck out just once. That’s a minuscule 4% strikeout rate, which tells you everything you need to know about his approach at the plate.
A Standout 2024 Season
Baldwin reached Triple-A late in the year, and once he got there, he made sure everyone took notice. In 72 games, he hit .298 with an .891 OPS, swatted 12 home runs, and drove in 55 runs.
More importantly, his on-base percentage sat at a ridiculous .407, showing just how advanced his eye at the plate really is. Nearly as many walks (52) as strikeouts (54)? That’s the kind of discipline that gets a guy noticed.
It did get him noticed. Baseball America named him the Braves Minor League Player of the Year, and MLB.com currently ranks him as the No. 62 prospect in baseball heading into 2025. Not too shabby.
What’s Next for Baldwin?
With spring training rolling along, Baldwin is back in action and ready to keep proving why he’s one of the most exciting young catchers in the minors.
The Braves are giving him plenty of opportunities, and if he keeps swinging the bat like he has been, it won’t be long before he forces their hand at the big-league level.
