ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – Braves catcher Drake Baldwin has been named a finalist for the NL Rookie of the Year Award.
The 24-year-old had a breakout season behind the dish for the Braves. He was thrown into the fire after Sean Murphy began the season on the injured list and hit .274 with 19 home runs, the second-most by a rookie catcher in franchise history.
Once Murphy came back from the injured list, Baldwin split time with Murphy behind the dish, playing 97 games at catcher. He allowed 88 stolen bases, the most in the NL.
Baldwin led all NL rookies in WAR and his .810 OPS was eighth-best among NL rookies and the best among rookies who played more than 100 games.
He was named the NL Rookie of the Month in May with a 1.003 OPS over 56 plate appearances.
He’s the first Brave nominated for the award since both Michael Harris II and Spencer Strider were nominated in 2022. Harris won the award.
Cubs pitcher Cade Horton and Brewers third baseman Caleb Durbin were also named finalists for this year’s award.
The winner will be revealed on Nov. 10.