The “roar” at Truist Park has been officially validated as Atlanta Braves catcher Drake Baldwin was named the 2025 National League Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year. In a season where he was forced into the spotlight following an injury to Sean Murphy, Baldwin transformed from a “rising prospect” into an absolute cornerstone of the franchise.
Baldwin’s victory on November 10, 2025, was a landslide, as he received 21 of 30 first-place votes to defeat Chicago Cubs pitcher Cade Horton. The 24-year-old Madison native becomes the first Braves catcher to win the award since 1971 and only the seventh catcher in National League history to earn the honor.
The Stats That Reshaped Expectations
Baldwin didn’t just participate in the 2025 season; he dominated it. Among all NL rookies with at least 100 games, he ranked No. 1 in almost every major offensive category:
- Batting Average: .274
- Home Runs: 19 (the most by a Braves rookie since Chipper Jones)
- RBIs: 80
- OPS: .810
- fWAR: 3.1
Teammates and rivals alike were stunned by his “poise under bright lights.” Despite early-season questions about his defense, Baldwin finished the year as a 92nd-percentile blocker, proving his discipline extends far beyond his power at the plate.
The “PPI” Bonus: A Gift for 2026
Because Baldwin was a consensus top prospect who spent the entire year on the roster, his win secures a bonus draft pick for the Braves after the first round in 2026. This “full-season statement” hasn’t just fast-tracked his career; it has weaponized the Braves’ farm system for years to come.
As the 2026 season approaches, the “inevitable” has happened: Drake Baldwin is no longer just a prospect—he is the face of the next generation of Atlanta greatness.
