Drake Baldwin Performing Well In Arizona Fall League
Atlanta Braves catching prospect Drake Baldwin has carried an impressive .377/.452/.491 line through 13 games in the Arizona Fall League. The backstop has tallied one double, one home run, nine RBI, and held a strong 8:9 BB:K ratio. Last summer, the No.5 prospect in the Atlanta system held his own through his first look at Triple-A. Through 72 games with the Gwinnett Stripers, the former third-round pick posted a solid 298/.407/.484 slash line with 13 doubles, 12 home runs, and a 52:54 BB:K ratio. It is a promising sign to see the backstop continue to show a great eye at the plate in the AFL. With Travis d'Arnaud no longer under contract in Atlanta, Baldwin could have a viable path on making the major league roster directly out of Spring Training if he continues to develop well.
The Atlanta Braves could turn to catching prospect Drake Baldwin, who is considered the team's No. 5 prospect per MLB Pipeline, next season if there's a catching injury to either Sean Murphy or Travis d'Arnaud. Baldwin, 23, was impressive in the minors in 2024 and has continued that in the Arizona Fall League, hitting .310 with three extra-base hits and an .892 OPS in seven contests. While his defense isn't weak, his bat is certainly ahead of his glove. Baldwin had just four homers and a .650 OPS in 52 games at Double-A early on this year, but he hit .298 with 12 long balls and an .891 OPS in 72 games after being promoted to Triple-A Gwinnett. "The way he's played, he's definitely a phone call away at this point," general manager Alex Anthopoulos said. Baldwin will begin 2025 back at Triple-A while sharing time with Chadwick Tromp.
Atlanta Braves catcher prospect Drake Baldwin hit a grand slam for Triple-A Gwinnett on Thursday. The Braves' No. 5 prospect is hitting .312/.427/.497 at Triple-A this season with nine homers and 44 RBI in 49 games. The 23-year-old left-handed hitter is showing out at Triple-A and could be the catcher of the future for the Braves. He will likely finish out the season at Triple-A and make a push to make the big-league club in 2025. He is a plus-hitter with 50-grade power which makes him a very intriguing fantasy prospect at the catcher position.
Atlanta Braves catcher prospect Drake Baldwin went 1-for-2 with a solo home run in this year's All-Star Futures Game. Hit around 107 mph, it was one of the hardest-hit balls of the night. Baldwin's performance in Arlington is a solid reflection of how he's been playing since his promotion to Triple-A. In 24 games with the Gwinnett Stripers, he's slashing .309/.444/.532 with three doubles, six homers, and 17 RBI. Atlanta's No. 10 prospect (per MLB.com), Baldwin is expected to make his MLB debut sometime next year.
Atlanta Braves catcher prospect Drake Baldwin was 2-for-5 with a home run and an RBI for Triple-A Gwinnett on Sunday. It was the second straight game with a homer for the 23-year-old backstop. The Braves' No. 11 prospect is hitting .268 this season with nine homers and 48 RBI between Double-A and Triple-A. Since joining Gwinnett, Baldwin has taken his game up a notch with five homers, 15 RBI, and a .943 OPS in 21 games. He is turning in a quality season as he continues to make his way through Atlanta's minor league system. He is a name to monitor as someone who can make an impact at the catcher position when he does reach the major leagues.
Atlanta Braves catching prospect Drake Baldwin was promoted to Triple-A Gwinnett on Tuesday, June 11. Baldwin got a small taste of Triple-A last summer and opened this season with Double-A. Through 52 games with Double-A Mississippi this year, the former third-round pick posted a .244/.313/.337 slash line with four home runs, 33 RBI, and a 20:41 BB:K ratio. The young backstop has progressed through the minor leagues fairly quickly as he opened last season with High-A and will now get his first extended look at Triple-A just one year later. The Missouri State product is ranked as the number 11 prospect in the Atlanta system and could become an intriguing stash candidate in dynasty leagues if he performs well at Triple-A.
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