Drake Baldwin Secures National League Rookie of the Year, Braves PPI Pick
Drake Baldwin, the catcher for the Atlanta Braves, has been named the 2025 National League Rookie of the Year by the Baseball Writers Association of America. His impressive performance has not only earned him individual accolades but also benefits his team with a significant draft incentive.
2025 Rookie of the Year Voting Results
Baldwin topped the voting, with Cade Horton of the Chicago Cubs finishing in second place. Caleb Durbin of the Milwaukee Brewers claimed third. This recognition marks a notable achievement for Baldwin, especially considering the competition.
Impact on the Braves
Baldwin’s win triggers a bonus draft pick for the Braves after the first round in the upcoming 2026 draft, thanks to the Prospect Promotion Incentive (PPI). His performance secured him a full year of service time, a key factor for players and teams alike.
Path to Success
Entering the 2025 season, Baldwin was highly regarded as a top prospect. After completing the previous year at Triple-A, he was anticipated to compete for a major league position. However, Sean Murphy was initially set to be the primary catcher for Atlanta.
In March, an injury to Murphy—a rib fracture—opened an opportunity for Baldwin. Despite Murphy’s quick recovery, Baldwin thrived and maintained a strong presence in the lineup. The two catchers shared responsibilities, with Baldwin continuing to excel even after Murphy faced another injury in September.
Season Performance
Throughout the season, Baldwin showcased his talent with notable statistics:
- Games Played: 124
- Plate Appearances: 446
- Home Runs: 19
- Batting Average: .274
- On-Base Percentage: .341
- Slugging Percentage: .469
- wRC+: 125
His performance demonstrates that he was 25% better than the average major league hitter, which stands out, especially for a catcher. While some critiques noted his defense was slightly below average, he still earned a commendable 3.1 wins above replacement, as calculated by FanGraphs.
Future Implications
Baldwin’s Rookie of the Year title is not only a personal achievement but also a strategic win for the Braves. The recent collective bargaining agreement aims to mitigate service time manipulation, rewarding teams that promote top prospects accordingly. Baldwin’s success ensures that Atlanta capitalizes on this opportunity, allowing them to enhance their future roster with an additional draft pick.
As the baseball community anticipates the upcoming 2026 draft, the implications of Baldwin’s season will continue to unfold, reinforcing his status as a cornerstone for the Braves’ future ambitions.
