Seemingly every season, the Braves produce a homegrown talent. Last year, it was Spencer Schwellenbach who emerged as not only a reliable starter but also someone who could replace Max Fried as a frontline starter.
Before Schwelly, it was Michael Harris and Spencer Strider who finished first and second in the Rookie of the Year award race. So, who might emerge this season for the Braves? A.J. Smith-Shawver and Hurston Waldrep are popular candidates, but Drue Hackenberg shouldn’t be counted out either when discussing pitchers.
More than anyone though, Drake Baldwin has been the most impressive in the minors, and Kiley McDaniel of ESPN is predicting the organization’s top prospect will not just have a cup of coffee in Atlanta but spend about half the season with the major league club, racking up at least 1.5 WAR.
“Atlanta Braves catcher Drake Baldwin (No. 44) and Los Angeles Dodgers infielder Alex Freeland (No. 37) are also in my top 100, but were later-round collegiate draftees who reached that status last summer, so some fans aren’t tracking them closely yet. Before the All-Star break arrives, I think Baldwin will emerge as both the Braves’ backup catcher and a regular presence in the lineup if a corner/DH injury or ineffectiveness creates an opportunity.”
Sean Murphy is slated to catch around 70% of the games behind the plate, leaving very few opportunities for Baldwin, but his stick is already major league ready. Baldwin made his way to Triple-A Gwinnett this past year, where he played 72 games and hit .298/.407/.484 while playing good defense behind the plate.
If Marcell Ozuna, Sean Murphy, or Chadwick Tromp goes down with an injury, it paves the way for Drake Baldwin to get the call. Of course, if he’s dominating in Triple-A, it might not even take that. Getting him acclimated to the majors as quickly as possible could benefit the club in the long run, especially considering the 2026 roster outlook, when Baldwin could assume full-time DH duties while backing up Sean Murphy behind the plate.
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Larry Radloff/Icon Sportswire
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