Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Drake Baldwin Named NL Rookie of the Year as Braves Gain Extra Draft Pick

The win triggers an extra post–first-round draft pick for Atlanta under the CBA’s prospect-promotion incentive.

Overview

  • Baldwin received 21 of 30 first-place votes, finishing ahead of Cubs right-hander Cade Horton and Brewers third baseman Caleb Durbin.
  • The rookie catcher hit .274 with 19 home runs and 80 RBIs with an .810 OPS over 124 games after stepping in when Sean Murphy suffered a cracked rib in spring training.
  • Media estimates place the bonus selection around picks 26–30 with an approximate slot value of $3.3 million to $3.6 million, pending official draft order.
  • He is the seventh catcher to win the NL award and the Braves’ second at the position, joining Earl Williams in 1971, and the franchise’s 10th Rookie of the Year overall.
  • BBWAA balloting occurred before the postseason, and Baldwin was a 2022 third-round pick out of Missouri State University.