Should the Atlanta Braves Call Up Prospect Drake Baldwin?
Sportsgrid Staff
Host · Writer
The Future for Drake Baldwin
Drake Baldwin’s potential extends beyond his current minor league success. His ability to hit for power and make consistent contact has drawn comparisons to established MLB players. Although there are areas for improvement, such as handling plus velocity and reducing whiff rates against breaking balls, Baldwin’s development trajectory is promising. Whether he continues to develop in Triple-A or sees time in the majors this season, Baldwin remains one of the most exciting prospects in the Braves’ system and the minor leagues at large.
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Early Pro-Career
Drake Baldwin began his professional journey after being selected in the third round of the 2022 MLB Draft by the Atlanta Braves, signing for approximately $630,000. The former Missouri State catcher had a brief stint in the complex league before finishing the 2022 season in Low-A. In 2023, Baldwin quickly ascended through the Braves' farm system, with significant time spent at High-A Rome where he slashed .260/.385/.466 and hit 14 home runs in 92 games, showcasing his power potential.
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2024 Promotion to Triple-A
Despite a slower start in 2024 at Double-A Mississippi, where Baldwin posted a 94 wRC+ through 52 games, he was promoted to Triple-A Gwinnett. The promotion raised eyebrows, but Baldwin silenced doubters with a stellar performance. As of mid-July, he was slashing .309/.440/.532 with six home runs and three doubles in just 24 games, walking more than striking out and achieving a remarkable 155 wRC+.
Futures Game Performance
Baldwin's exceptional form earned him a spot in the 2024 All-Star Futures Game as the lone Braves representative. Serving as the DH for the NL team, Baldwin impressed with a 1-for-2 performance, driving in two runs. His highlight moment came with a solo home run hit at 107.3 MPH, the hardest-hit ball of the game, traveling 411 feet. This standout performance has further elevated Baldwin's profile among fans and scouts alike.
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A Potential Call-Up
Given the Braves' history of rapidly promoting top prospects, Baldwin could see major league action sooner rather than later. The Braves currently rotate between Travis d’Arnaud and Sean Murphy at catcher, with Chadwick Tromp as the third option. An injury to either d’Arnaud or Murphy could pave the way for Baldwin's debut. Despite needing to improve against high-velocity pitches and breaking balls, Baldwin’s power and improved contact rates make him a promising candidate for a call-up.
The Future for Drake Baldwin
Drake Baldwin’s potential extends beyond his current minor league success. His ability to hit for power and make consistent contact has drawn comparisons to established MLB players. Although there are areas for improvement, such as handling plus velocity and reducing whiff rates against breaking balls, Baldwin’s development trajectory is promising. Whether he continues to develop in Triple-A or sees time in the majors this season, Baldwin remains one of the most exciting prospects in the Braves’ system and the minor leagues at large.
Swing for the Fences with SportsGrid’s free daily MLB Game Picks and MLB Prop Picks.
Early Pro-Career
Drake Baldwin began his professional journey after being selected in the third round of the 2022 MLB Draft by the Atlanta Braves, signing for approximately $630,000. The former Missouri State catcher had a brief stint in the complex league before finishing the 2022 season in Low-A. In 2023, Baldwin quickly ascended through the Braves' farm system, with significant time spent at High-A Rome where he slashed .260/.385/.466 and hit 14 home runs in 92 games, showcasing his power potential.
For all your MLB deep dives check out our friends at Just Baseball.
