A Rookie Season for the Ages
Atlanta Braves catcher
Drake Baldwin has officially been named the 2025 National League Rookie of the Year, capping off a breakout season that has electrified Braves fans and stunned baseball insiders alike. Baldwin, just 24 years old, delivered one of the most impressive rookie campaigns by a catcher in recent memory, quickly becoming a cornerstone of Atlanta’s lineup.
From Spring Training Longshot to Opening Day Starter
Baldwin’s journey to stardom wasn’t a foregone conclusion. Entering Spring Training, he was widely expected to start the year in Triple-A, with veteran Sean Murphy locked in as the Braves’ primary catcher. But when Murphy landed on the injured list with a fractured rib, Baldwin seized his opportunity, earning the Opening Day nod and never looking back.
His consistent production forced the Braves’ hand—even after Murphy returned, Baldwin’s bat and poise behind the plate kept him in the big leagues for good.
Power, Consistency, and Poise
Baldwin finished the season with a
.274 batting average, 19 home runs, and an .810 OPS (on-base plus slugging), leading all NL rookies with a 3.1 fWAR (Wins Above Replacement). His 19 home runs are the second-most ever by a Braves rookie catcher, trailing only Earl Williams’ 33 in 1971.
What set Baldwin apart wasn’t just his power, but his ability to adjust and deliver in clutch moments. He posted a 1.003 OPS in May and maintained an .800-plus OPS in each of the final three months of the season, showing a maturity well beyond his years.
The Voting and the Competition
The Baseball Writers’ Association of America awarded Baldwin 21 of 30 first-place votes, outpacing fellow finalists Cade Horton (Chicago Cubs pitcher) and Caleb Durbin (Milwaukee Brewers third baseman). His win marks the first time a Braves catcher has claimed the NL Rookie of the Year title since Earl Williams in 1971.
What This Means for the Braves
Baldwin’s emergence gives Atlanta a dynamic young core and solves a key position for years to come. His blend of offensive firepower and defensive reliability behind the plate has drawn comparisons to some of the game’s elite catchers.
With Baldwin anchoring the lineup, the Braves look poised to remain contenders in the National League for the foreseeable future.
Expert Commentary
Baseball analysts have praised Baldwin’s rapid development. As one MLB Network commentator put it,
“He’s not just a great rookie—he’s already one of the most valuable catchers in the league.”
Baldwin himself, in a post-award interview, credited his teammates and coaches for helping him adjust to the big leagues so quickly, saying,
“I just tried to stay ready and make the most of every opportunity. This is a dream come true.”
What’s Next for Baldwin?
With his rookie year behind him, all eyes will be on Baldwin to see if he can avoid the dreaded sophomore slump and continue his ascent. If his 2025 performance is any indication, Braves fans have plenty to be excited about.
Sources
1. Atlanta Braves News: Drake Baldwin Wins NL Rookie of the Year, 2026 Draft, More
2. Baldwin an NL Rookie of the Year finalist after breakout 2025
3. MLB Rookie of the Year awards: Athletics' Nick Kurtz takes home AL honors, Braves' Drake Baldwin wins in NL
4. Braves News: Drake Baldwin, bullpen, spring training invites, more
5. Drake Baldwin reacts to winning the 2025 NL Rookie of ... - YouTube
6. Has the worm turned on Drake Baldwin in the Rookie of the Year ...
7. Drake Baldwin Stats, Age, Position, Height, Weight, Fantasy & News
8. A's Nick Kurtz and Braves Drake Baldwin Win Rookie of the Year ...
9. Kurtz, Baldwin claim Baseball Digest's top rookie honors - MLB.com
10. MLB on ESPN - Scores, Stats and Highlights
11. Atlanta news, Georgia news, Breaking news from The Atlanta ...
