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1h ago

Braves Catcher Drake Baldwin Wins 2025 NL Rookie of the Year

A tight BBWAA ballot highlighted his season-long value at a demanding position.

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Sep 15, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Atlanta Braves catcher Drake Baldwin (30) is congratulated by teammates after hitting a two run home run against the Washington Nationals during the ninth inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-Imagn Images.
Atlanta Braves catcher Drake Baldwin (30) celebrates in the dugout after hitting a two run home run against the Detroit Tigers in the ninth inning at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images

Overview

  • Baldwin received 183 points with 21 first-place votes, finishing ahead of the Cubs’ Cade Horton at 139 points with nine first-place votes, with the Brewers’ Caleb Durbin named the other finalist.
  • He led NL rookies in fWAR at 3.1 and ranked second in batting average at .274, home runs with 19, OPS at .810 and wRC+ at 125.
  • The award makes him the Braves’ 10th Rookie of the Year and only the 10th catcher to win since 1947, following the last NL catcher winner, Buster Posey in 2010.
  • Atlanta’s season ended at 79-86 and fourth in the NL East, with Brian Snitker stepping down and Walt Weiss expected to manage next season according to multiple reports.
  • USA Today’s Bob Nightengale has noted that Baldwin is the first Black catcher to win the honor since Earl Williams in 1971.