Drake Baldwin Wins NL Rookie of the Year for Atlanta Braves

Atlanta Braves catcher Drake Baldwin received the prestigious title of National League Rookie of the Year on Monday night, marking a significant highlight in his debut season. At just 24 years old, Baldwin secured 21 out of 30 first-place votes, making him the tenth player in Braves history to achieve this honor and the third in the past eight years, joining fellow Braves players Michael Harris II (2022) and Ronald Acuña Jr. (2018).

Impressive Rookie Season

Baldwin’s journey to this accolade began when he unexpectedly made the Atlanta Braves’ 2025 Opening Day roster, despite having no prior major league experience. His performance throughout the season exceeded expectations, as he not only clinched the starting catcher position but also outperformed veteran teammate Sean Murphy, who dealt with injuries. Baldwin played in 124 games, showcasing his resilience and skill.

Statistically, Baldwin had an impressive season, recording a batting average of .274 with a .341 on-base percentage. He contributed significantly to the team with 19 home runs, 18 doubles, and a remarkable 80 RBIs. Defensively, he proved to be one of the league’s most reliable catchers, committing only four errors and finishing with a stellar .995 fielding percentage.

Comparative Achievements in the AL

In the American League, the Oakland Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz was a unanimous selection for Rookie of the Year, receiving all 30 first-place votes after a record-setting rookie season. Kurtz led all rookies with 36 home runs, 86 RBIs, and 90 runs scored, while maintaining a batting average of .290 and a .383 on-base percentage. His slugging percentage of .619 further illustrates his powerful offensive capabilities.

Kurtz, selected fourth overall in the 2024 MLB Draft, made headlines on July 25 when he became the first rookie in Athletics history to hit four home runs in a single game, achieving a remarkable 6-for-6 performance with eight RBIs against the Houston Astros.

In the AL voting results, Jacob Wilson, another Athletics player, secured second place, marking the first time since 1989 that teammates occupied the top two spots. Roman Anthony from the Boston Red Sox finished third in the voting.

In the National League, Cade Horton, a pitcher for the Chicago Cubs, placed second, while Caleb Durbin, a third baseman for the Milwaukee Brewers, took third place.

Baldwin’s achievement not only showcases his talent but also highlights the promising future of the Atlanta Braves as they continue to build a competitive roster. His determination and skill have firmly established him as a key player in the league, with fans looking forward to his continued success in the coming seasons.