Despite the Atlanta Braves’ farm system often ranking near the bottom in the league, the team continues to produce exceptional young players, with Drake Baldwin standing out this season. Initially, Baldwin’s chance to compete for the Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year award seemed unlikely, as Sean Murphy was expected to catch over 120 games, limiting Baldwin’s playing time and making his place on the Opening Day roster uncertain.
However, Murphy suffered a hand injury during Spring Training from a fastball, opening the door for Baldwin to take on a larger role. Given this opportunity, Baldwin quickly demonstrated why the Braves and their fans were so optimistic about his potential.
Strong Offensive and Defensive Performance Sets Baldwin Apart
Baldwin currently boasts a batting line of .277/.348/.468, including 11 home runs, 11 doubles, and 41 RBIs. His OPS+ reflects a performance nearly 30% above the league average. Notably, Baldwin has found success behind the plate in a way that contrasted with fellow Braves catcher William Contreras’s struggles, who was eventually traded partly because pitchers preferred not to throw to him.
Unlike Contreras, Baldwin has proven to be reliable defensively and is widely regarded as one of the top 10 catchers in baseball this season. Among players at his position, Baldwin’s 2.1 fWAR ties him for ninth in the league, while his 137 wRC+ ranks fourth, underscoring his all-around value to the Braves.
Growing Recognition in Rookie of the Year Discussions
A week ago, national analysts largely overlooked Baldwin in favor of Jacob Misiorowski, who had only a handful of starts. Now, Baldwin has rightfully regained the spotlight and leads the Rookie of the Year odds on BetMGM as the -175 favorite, ahead of Misiorowski at +210. This shift acknowledges the impressive feat of an everyday player maintaining strong production over a full season compared to a pitcher just starting his major league career a month ago.
Success for Baldwin as the Rookie of the Year would not only bring personal accolades but also benefit the Braves through the Prospect Promotion Incentive. This Major League Baseball rule rewards clubs with an additional draft pick at the end of the first round when their top prospects make the Opening Day roster and thrive, offering a future boost to the team’s talent pipeline.
Implications for the Braves and the Future
Drake Baldwin’s breakthrough highlights the Braves’ ability to develop impactful talent despite challenges within their farm system rankings. His continued performance strengthens the team’s lineup and defense, giving Atlanta hope for sustained success in the coming seasons. Should Baldwin secure the Rookie of the Year award, it would validate the Braves’ investment in their young players and potentially add valuable resources for roster building through the extra draft pick.