Atlanta Braves catcher Drake Baldwin has achieved one of baseball’s most prestigious accolades, securing the National League Rookie of the Year award on Monday night. At just 24 years old, Baldwin was recognized after receiving 21 out of 30 first-place votes, marking him as the tenth Brave to earn this honor and the third in the last eight years, following Michael Harris II in 2022 and Ronald Acuña Jr. in 2018.
Baldwin’s journey to this award has been remarkable. Initially drafted in the third round of the 2022 MLB Draft, he surprised many by making the 2025 Opening Day roster without having played a single game at the major league level. By the end of the season, he had not only secured his starting position but also outperformed veteran catcher Sean Murphy, appearing in 124 games while Murphy dealt with injuries.
Impressive Rookie Performance
In his debut season, Baldwin demonstrated his potential, finishing with a batting average of .274 and an on-base percentage of .341. He recorded 19 home runs, 18 doubles, and a remarkable 80 RBIs. Defensively, he excelled as one of the most reliable catchers in the league, committing only four errors and achieving a .995 fielding percentage, showcasing his skill behind the plate.
Across the league, Nick Kurtz, a 22-year-old first baseman for the Oakland Athletics, was also honored as the American League Rookie of the Year. Kurtz received unanimous recognition, collecting all 30 first-place votes after a record-setting rookie campaign. He led all rookies with 36 home runs, 86 RBIs, and 90 runs scored, while maintaining a batting average of .290, an on-base percentage of .383, and a slugging percentage of .619.
Reaching the majors after just 32 minor league games, Kurtz made headlines on July 25, when he became the first rookie in Athletics history to hit four home runs in a single game, going an impressive 6-for-6 with eight RBIs against the Houston Astros.
Notable Mentions in Rookie Voting
In the American League voting, Jacob Wilson, shortstop for the Athletics, finished in second place, making it notable as it marked the first time since 1989 that a pair of teammates secured the top two spots in the voting. Roman Anthony of the Boston Red Sox finished third.
In the National League, Cade Horton, a pitcher for the Chicago Cubs, earned second place, while Caleb Durbin, third baseman for the Milwaukee Brewers, took third. Baldwin’s accomplishments not only highlight his individual talent but also signal a promising future for the Braves as they continue to build a competitive roster.
As the baseball season wraps up, Baldwin’s award serves as a testament to his hard work and dedication, setting the stage for what could be a remarkable career in Major League Baseball.
