Atlanta Braves Catcher Drake Baldwin is having a tremendous five-game stretch. In his last five games, he has collected 11 RBI, which includes two home runs. The majority of this production came in a game on August 7 against Miami, where he collected 5 RBI and essentially carried the Braves to the 8-6 victory. Baldwin has been a bright spot for an Atlanta Braves team that a lot of people could call the most disappointing team in MLB this season.
Drake Baldwin Will Be In the Rookie Of the Year Conversation
Different MLB sites have Drake Baldwin listed as being worth anywhere between 2.0 and 2.5 in wins above replacement. That is a very good number for a rookie to put up, but especially at the catcher position. He only trails Isaac Collins of the Milwaukee Brewers in wins above replacement, and the way he’s hitting offensively while being a catcher will certainly weigh into the decision-making when deciding the NL Rookie of the Year at season’s end.
The Atlanta Braves have had such a disappointing season, and not all of it is their fault. Ronald Acuna Jr. wasn’t available for the whole season, and Spencer Strider hasn’t been the same guy either. Despite Baldwin’s success, Braves fans will not be happy with the team’s performance this season. The Braves have been one of MLB’s most successful teams over the last decade or so.
Last Thoughts
The future doesn’t look bleak for the Atlanta Braves. If Acuna Jr. had been healthy for the entire season, things could have looked different. Who knows? If the Braves had everyone healthy and didn’t struggle, would they have given some of their young players a shot? Would we even know who Drake Baldwin is? There is a good chance the answer is no, because a struggling team creates runway. Now the Braves have answers on another young player who figures to be in their plans.
