How Braves Catcher Drake Baldwin Silenced Doubters to Claim 2025 NL Rookie of the Year

When I first caught wind that Drake Baldwin, the up-and-coming catcher for the Atlanta Braves, snagged the 2025 National League Rookie of the Year award, I gotta say—it felt like the right call, even if some folks were keeping their eyes on Chicago Cubs’ pitcher Cade Horton. Baldwin, Horton, and Milwaukee’s own Caleb Durbin rounded out the rookie finalists, but Baldwin pulled ahead with a whopping 21 of the 30 first-place votes — a pretty clear nod from the voters. Drafted back in 2022, Baldwin’s journey from minor-league grinder to everyday Braves contributor in just three years is honestly impressive. He stuck around for Opening Day, turned in a steady .274 batting average, hit 19 homers, and notched 111 hits over 405 at-bats, showing more than enough spark to light up the lineup.

What really struck me is how Baldwin, just 24 and splitting catching duties with veteran Sean Murphy, still managed to carve out a significant role, standing shoulder to shoulder with Braves legends like Ronald Acuña Jr. and Matt Olson in the hitting stats — talk about making an impact when given limited opportunities. His 124 games played and 97 starts don’t scream star, yet his contribution resonated loudly. Whether he was behind the plate, at designated hitter, or pinch hitting, Baldwin showcased versatility and grit all year long. Curious about the full breakdown and what makes his rise so compelling? Dive deeper here: LEARN MORE

Atlanta Braves catcher Drake Baldwin has been named the 2025 National League Rookie of the Year, beating out Chicago Cubs pitcher Cade Horton for the award. Baldwin, Horton and Milwaukee Brewers infielder Caleb Durbin were the three finalists for the rookie honor.

Baldwin finished with 21 of the 30 total first-place votes. Horton finished in second, earning nine first-place votes.

Baldwin, who was drafted by Atlanta in 2022, made the Braves’ Opening Day roster at the start of the 2025 season after three years of minor-league ball. Baldwin finished the year with a .274 average and .810 OPS in 405 at-bats, knocking in 111 hits and 19 home runs.

Throughout the year, the 24-year-old catcher established himself as one of the Braves’ best hitters, sitting just below team stalwarts like right fielder Ronald Acuña Jr. and first baseman Matt Olson in most hitting categories.

That performance comes even in a year when Baldwin saw his time on the field slightly limited: Baldwin played in 124 games this season but only started in 97, splitting defensive time with veteran catcher Sean Murphy. 92 of those games had Baldwin behind the plate; for the other matchups, he spent 12 games as the Braves’ designated hitter and stepped in as a pinch hitter in 23 games.

This story will be updated.