2025 Atlanta Braves Performance Review: Drake Baldwin – From Prospect to NL Rookie of the Year.vc
The 2025 season was one of dynamic change for the Atlanta Braves, but it yielded a promising new cornerstone: Drake Baldwin. The 24-year-old catcher not only cemented his spot on the roster but had a historic debut season, culminating in him winning the prestigious National League Rookie of the Year Award.
Explosive Offensive Performance
Baldwin entered the season with an uncertain role but maximized his opportunities, particularly while platooning with Sean Murphy. His production from the Catcher position delivered rare offensive efficiency:
- Slash Line: Baldwin posted an impressive offensive slash line of .274 AVG / .341 OBP / .469 SLG and an .810 OPS.
- Power and Production: He finished the season with 19 Home Runs and 80 RBI in just 124 games played, leading all NL rookies (with a minimum of 100 games) in critical offensive categories.
- Elite Value: With 3.3 WAR (Wins Above Replacement), Baldwin was one of the Braves’ highest WAR players, demonstrating his comprehensive value to the team.
Advanced metrics showcased his genuine potential, with his bat speed registering in the 91st percentile and his exit velocity in the 86th percentile of MLB.
Defensive Role and Contributions
Although primarily known for his offense, Baldwin seamlessly took on the full-time catching role throughout the season.
- Workload: He played a total of 124 games, starting 97 behind the plate and 12 at Designated Hitter (DH), successfully filling the void left by the departure of Travis d’Arnaud.
- Defensive Efficiency: Baldwin maintained a respectable .995 Fielding Percentage. However, his efficacy against base stealers was a clear area for improvement, with his caught-stealing rate ranking in the 19th percentile.
Importance for the Braves’ Future
Baldwin winning the NL Rookie of the Year—the first Braves Catcher to do so since 1971—has created a “good problem” for the front office: balancing playing time between him and Sean Murphy.
His rapid maturity and ability to remain composed in high-pressure situations (evidenced by clutch home runs and walk-off hits) suggest Baldwin is a foundational piece for the Braves’ future. With Marcell Ozuna now a Free Agent, Baldwin is also a strong candidate to take over the DH role when not catching in the 2026 season.
Summary: Drake Baldwin’s 2025 season was a resounding success, proving him to be one of MLB’s most promising young talents and a critical component of the Atlanta Braves’ championship-building plan for years to come.
