Ronald Acuña Jr.’s Peer-Crowned Comeback: Braves Celebrate NL Players Choice Glory for Acuña and Drake Baldwin.vc
Atlanta, October 30, 2025 – The Atlanta Braves missed the postseason for the first time in eight years, finishing 76-86 amid a storm of injuries, but two of their brightest stars have been immortalized by their peers. Ronald Acuña Jr., the electrifying 27-year-old outfielder, was named National League Comeback Player of the Year in the 2025 MLBPA Players Choice Awards, while catcher Drake Baldwin claimed Outstanding Rookie honors. Announced Wednesday, these peer-voted accolades—determined by active major leaguers since 1991—honor resilience and emergence in a season of struggle. “Comeback Player of the Year and Outstanding Rookie 👏 Congratulations to Ronald and Drake on their @MLBPA Players Choice Awards!” the Braves posted on X, the tweet exploding to 50K likes. As Acuña eyes a full 2026 after two ACL tears, these awards aren’t consolation—they’re confirmation: The Braves’ heartbeat is stronger than ever.
Acuña’s Defiant Return: From ACL Agony to Peer Glory
Acuña’s 2025 was a warrior’s tale. After tearing his left ACL in May 2024 (49 games) and right ACL in 2021, he returned in 95 games with vengeance: .290 average, .417 OBP (career high), .935 OPS, 21 homers, 42 RBIs, and 4.2 fWAR. His 21 HRs in limited action tied for team lead, with a .518 SLG that ranked top-10 among outfielders with 400+ PA. “Ronald played like the MVP he is—every swing screamed defiance,” teammate Austin Riley said. The MLBPA award, voted by 800+ players, validates his grit: “I’m honored my peers see my fight,” Acuña told Marquee post-ceremony. His $100M deal (through 2028, $17M AAV) remains MLB’s best bargain—projected $40M+ market value.
Baldwin’s Rookie Fire: The Catcher Who Stole the Show
Drake Baldwin, 24, seized the spotlight in his debut: .318/.391/.528, 32 doubles, 118 hits in 142 games, earning Outstanding Rookie. The 2022 third-rounder from Missouri State threw out 35% of runners and mentored a battered staff. “Drake’s poise is unreal—rookie of the year material,” Snitker (pre-retirement) praised. With Sean Murphy sidelined, Baldwin’s .919 OPS ranked top-5 among rookie catchers.
| Player | Award | 2025 Stats | Legacy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ronald Acuña Jr. | NL Comeback Player | .290/.417/.935, 21 HRs | 2x ACL survivor, MVP bargain |
| Drake Baldwin | NL Outstanding Rookie | .318/.919 OPS, 32 2B | Future backstop cornerstone |
The Bigger Picture: Peer Respect in a Rebuild Year
The Players Choice Awards elevate Acuña (NL ROY 2018, MVP 2023, 5x All-Star) and Baldwin in a down year. For the Braves—rotation ravaged (Strider rehab, Holmes UCL)—these honors fuel 2026 fire. Acuña’s full offseason prep projects 40-40 potential; Baldwin locks catcher for a decade. On X, #BravesChoiceAwards trends: “Acuña’s comeback? Peer-approved legend!”
Conclusion
Ronald Acuña Jr. and Drake Baldwin’s MLBPA glory isn’t silver lining—it’s supernova. Acuña’s comeback from ACL hell and Baldwin’s rookie roar signal Atlanta’s reload. With Acuña’s $100M steal and Baldwin’s rise, 2026 isn’t hope—it’s havoc. Braves fans, your stars are peer-crowned. Chop on.
