The catching situation in Atlanta just took an unexpected turn. Sean Murphy, the guy the Atlanta Braves were counting on to anchor the position, is out for at least a month with a cracked rib after getting plunked by a pitch on Friday.
And just like that, the door swings wide open for 23-year-old Drake Baldwin. He’s a top prospect who might be stepping into the big leagues much sooner than expected.
Baldwin’s Bat Could Be a Game-Changer
Baldwin isn’t just some random call-up. This kid can hit. He tore it up at Triple-A last season, slashing .298 with a .407 OBP, 12 homers, and an .891 OPS after a midseason promotion.
His plate discipline is impressive. He has almost as many walks (52) as strikeouts (54) in 334 plate appearances.
And let’s talk about his power—opposite-field pop that’s already turned heads, including a home run in the Futures Game that was the hardest-hit ball of the event. Braves fans have every reason to be excited about what this guy could bring to the table.
But here’s the thing: the Braves weren’t planning on Baldwin making the Opening Day roster. He’s not even on the 40-man roster.
The original plan was for him to start at Triple-A again, developing as a future big-league regular rather than sitting on the bench behind Murphy. But with Murphy out, Baldwin’s situation has changed dramatically.
He’s now the most intriguing option to take over the starting catcher role—at least temporarily—over veteran journeyman Chadwick Tromp, whose offensive upside isn’t nearly as high.
The Braves Are Feeling the Loss of Travis d’Arnaud
And remember, the Braves let Travis d’Arnaud walk in November, declining his $8 million option. He landed a two-year, $12 million deal with the Angels, leaving Atlanta without a proven backup.
That decision looked fine when Murphy was healthy, but now? It puts even more weight on Baldwin’s shoulders.
Murphy, for his part, hasn’t exactly won over Braves fans lately. He was an All-Star in 2023, sure, but injuries and a brutal second half (.193 average, 10 homers in 72 games) soured a lot of people.
He’s still got four years left on his contract at $15 million a season, so the Braves need him to get right. But until he does, it’s Baldwin’s time to shine.
Spring Training Is Giving a Preview of What’s to Come
Spring training has already given us a glimpse of what Baldwin can do.
He’s 4-for-12 with a double, two RBIs, three walks, and—perhaps most impressively—zero strikeouts in six Grapefruit League games. Pitchers have praised his work behind the plate, and his swing continues to impress.
So here we are: a month ago, Baldwin wasn’t even in the Opening Day conversation. Now, he might be the Braves’ starting catcher on March 28.
Baseball has a funny way of forcing teams to adjust on the fly, and for Atlanta, that adjustment might mean putting their faith in a 23-year-old prospect who’s never played a day in the majors.
