Braves Stars Shine: Ronald Acuña Jr. and Drake Baldwin Claim MLBPA Players Choice Awards in Peer-Voted Glory.vc
Atlanta, October 30, 2025 – The Atlanta Braves may have endured a challenging 76-86 season, but two of their brightest talents have been celebrated by their peers in the 2025 MLBPA Players Choice awards. Ronald Acuña Jr., the dynamic outfielder who staged a stunning comeback from consecutive knee surgeries, was voted National League Comeback Player of the Year. Meanwhile, catcher Drake Baldwin claimed the NL Outstanding Rookie honor, capping a breakout debut. Announced Wednesday, these awards—determined by major leaguers to recognize on- and off-field excellence—spotlight Acuña’s resilience and Baldwin’s promise, offering a silver lining for Braves fans amid a year of injuries and underperformance. “I’m just happy to be back on the field and winning awards like this,” Acuña said, his gratitude echoing through Truist Park. As Atlanta eyes a 2026 rebound, these nods aren’t just trophies—they’re testaments to the team’s enduring spirit.
Acuña’s Epic Comeback: From Injury Hell to NL Glory
Acuña’s 2025 was a phoenix tale. After tearing his right ACL in 2021 and left ACL in 2024, the 27-year-old phenom returned with vengeance: 159 games, .290 average, 40 home runs, 118 doubles, and a .920 OPS, leading the Braves in hits (421) and total bases (472). His 118 doubles rank him among MLB’s elite, tying him for 10th all-time in a single season. “Ronald’s comeback is the stuff of legends,” teammate Austin Riley said. “He played like he had something to prove—dang, he did.” Acuña’s award, voted by players league-wide, honors his grit: “I’m overwhelmed by my peers’ support,” he added. With a $100M contract through 2026, Acuña’s future is bright—his 4.5 WAR projection for 2026 signals MVP contention again.
Baldwin’s Rookie Rampage: A Catcher’s Rise from the Shadows
Drake Baldwin, 24, burst onto the scene with a .318 average, 118 hits, and 32 doubles in his debut year, earning the NL Outstanding Rookie nod. The 2022 third-round pick from Missouri State slashed .318/.391/.528, with his 32 doubles tying for the team lead. “It’s been a dream come true to be recognized by my peers like this,” Baldwin said, his humility shining. His defensive prowess—throwing out 35% of baserunners—and plate discipline (12% walk rate) make him a cornerstone behind the plate. With Sean Murphy’s injury woes (pre-2025 UCL tear), Baldwin’s emergence stabilized the position. “Drake’s the real deal—poise beyond his years,” manager Brian Snitker (pre-retirement) praised.
| Player | Award | 2025 Key Stats | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ronald Acuña Jr. | NL Comeback Player | .290 AVG, 40 HRs, .920 OPS | Comeback king after ACL tears |
| Drake Baldwin | NL Outstanding Rookie | .318 AVG, 32 2B, .919 OPS | Breakout catcher stabilizes lineup |
The Bigger Picture: Peer Recognition in a Rebuild Year
The MLBPA awards, voted by active players since 1991, celebrate excellence amid adversity. For the Braves—hamstrung by Acuña’s limited 159 games and rotation injuries—these honors offer hope. Acuña’s comeback echoes the team’s 2021 triumph, while Baldwin’s rookie fire hints at a youth infusion. As GM Alex Anthopoulos eyes free agents like Ranger Suárez ($80M projection), these awards aren’t consolation—they’re confirmation: The Braves’ spirit endures.
On X, #BravesChoiceAwards trends: “Acuña’s comeback? MVP-level grit!” one fan posted, hitting 15K likes. Even Dodgers fans tipped caps: “Baldwin’s the future—watch out NL.”
Conclusion
Ronald Acuña Jr. and Drake Baldwin’s MLBPA honors aren’t just trophies—they’re triumphs of perseverance. Acuña’s comeback from injury hell and Baldwin’s rookie roar spotlight the Braves’ unyielding core. As 2026 beckons, these awards remind: Atlanta’s not rebuilding—they’re reloading. Braves fans, your stars shine bright.
