The Atlanta Braves had a disappointing season in 2025 as they missed the MLB playoffs and ended a run of seven straight postseason appearances. Atlanta finished with a 76–86 record, leaving them 10 games below .500 and searching for answers.
The front office responded with urgency by overhauling the entire coaching staff and naming Walt Weiss as the new manager. While the franchise looks to rebound in 2026, one bright spot from last year stands out as a focal point moving forward. That key piece is catcher Drake Baldwin.
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Baldwin emerged as one of the few positives in an otherwise frustrating campaign. The 24-year-old left-handed slugger earned an everyday role late in the season and overtook established All-Star veterans Marcell Ozuna and Sean Murphy at designated hitter and catcher.
His production validated the decision. Baldwin captured National League Rookie of the Year honors in 2025 after posting a .274 batting average with a .341 on-base percentage and an .810 OPS. He added 19 home runs and 80 RBIs across 124 games, proving he could handle the grind of a full season behind the plate while delivering consistent offense.
Looking ahead, Baseball Reference projects Baldwin to hit .272 with a .340 on-base percentage and a .804 OPS along with 17 home runs and 68 RBIs in 2026. Those numbers suggest steady production, but there are reasons to believe Baldwin could surpass those expectations and continue his ascent as one of Atlanta’s most important young players.
There is legitimate reason for optimism with Baldwin because he has already shown he can contribute at the major-league level while playing one of the most demanding positions in baseball. Catchers often take longer to develop offensively, yet Baldwin has demonstrated an advanced approach at the plate.
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Another encouraging sign is Baldwin’s strong track record in the minors. His performance against upper-level pitching suggested his bat would translate, and he largely validated that belief once he reached the majors. Rather than looking overwhelmed, he showed the ability to adjust, which is often the biggest hurdle for young hitters.
Organizational confidence also plays a role in the optimism. The Braves trusted Baldwin early and gave him meaningful opportunities instead of limiting him to a bench role. Drafted in the third round of the 2022 MLB Draft, Baldwin is still refining his game, but his age and position amplify his upside. If he continues on this trajectory, he has the potential to grow into a long-term above-average catcher, a rare and valuable piece for a contending Braves team.