ATLANTA, GA — The Atlanta Braves have a finalist for the National League Rookie of the Year Award, with 24-year-old catcher Drake Baldwin capping off a stellar debut season with the nomination.1 He is in the running alongside Chicago Cubs pitcher Cade Horton and Milwaukee Brewers third baseman Caleb Durbin.2 The winner will be announced on November 10th.
Baldwin, a key piece of the Braves’ offense during a disappointing season, delivered impressive offensive production for a catcher thrust into a starting role early in the year.3
Baldwin’s Breakout Season Highlights
| Statistic | Value | NL Rookie Rank (Among Qualified) | Notes |
| Home Runs (HR) | 19 | 2nd | Second-most by a Braves rookie catcher in franchise history. |
| Runs Batted In (RBI) | 80 | 1st (Led NL Rookies) | Massive production from the catcher position. |
| Batting Average (AVG) | .274 | 2nd | – |
| On-Base Plus Slugging (OPS) | .810 | 8th (1st among 100+ game rookies) | Earned NL Rookie of the Month in May (1.003 OPS). |
| Wins Above Replacement (WAR) | 3.3 (FanGraphs) | Led All NL Rookies | Strong overall value despite defensive concerns. |
| Games Played (Catcher) | 97 | Split time with Sean Murphy upon his return. | – |
Defense: The Stolen Base Issue
While his bat was exceptional, the largest question mark against Baldwin’s candidacy is his defense, specifically his struggle to control the running game. He allowed 88 stolen bases, which led the National League, highlighting the area where he must improve.
The Competition
Baldwin faces tough competition from two other National League Central rookies:
- Cade Horton (Chicago Cubs, SP): A revelation on the mound, especially in the second half, providing a strong anchor to the Cubs’ rotation.
- Caleb Durbin (Milwaukee Brewers, 3B): A key component of the Brewers’ NL Central-winning squad, contributing strong defense and speed.
Baldwin is the first Braves player nominated for the award since Michael Harris II (who won) and Spencer Strider were both nominated in 2022.
Given Drake Baldwin’s excellent offensive numbers but clear defensive struggles, which of the three finalists do you think has the strongest case for the 2025 NL Rookie of the Year Award?
