Down on the farm, a lot of the focus is on Nacho Alvarez, who I have written about on numerous occasions. There’s a legitimate case for the Braves to give him a shot at the major-league level this year based on the way he’s performing in Gwinnett while Orlando Arcia continues to be an automatic out every time he steps into the batter’s box. But Alvarez isn’t the only position player on the farm beginning to turn heads.
Drake Baldwin is a catching prospect that was taken in the third round of the 2022 MLB Draft out of Missouri State University, and his career path has followed Alvarez’s very similarly. Both began the year in Mississippi and were promoted at the same time, even though they weren’t exactly crushing it in AA. However, the move to Gwinnett has done wonders for each of them.
Like Alvarez, Drake Baldwin hasn’t stopped hitting since joining the Stripers. In 21 games, he’s hitting over .300 with five homers and a .944 OPS. The 23-year-old has really become a prospect to watch, flashing some insane power.
Drake Baldwin has batted balls of 105.2 mph, 106.7 mph, and 109.5 mph
20 of his 66 (30.3%) batted balls at Gwinnett have been 105+ mph
He’s the only Triple-A player with 30+ % going 105+ mph (min 50)
MLB players to do that in 2024: Giancarlo Stanton
Aaron Judge
Shohei Ohtani— Garrett Spain (@BravesMILB) July 7, 2024
Drake Baldwin showing off with a BOMB before the Futures Game😤
pic.twitter.com/YrIPpoLMNS— The Call Up | An MLB Prospect Podcast (@The_CallUpPod) July 7, 2024
While the Braves don’t need Drake Baldwin now like they might with Alvarez, Travis d’Arnaud isn’t going to play forever. The veteran catcher is on a one-year deal with an $8 million club option for 2025.
As of right now, I would imagine the Braves’ plan is to pick that option up. But a lot can happen between now and the time that decision is made. If Drake Baldwin impresses the rest of the season for the Stripers, he’ll at least enter himself into the conversation.
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Photo: David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire
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