NL Rookie of the Year 2025: Braves Catcher Drake Baldwin Edges Cubs’ Cade Horton in Tight Race

Atlanta Braves catcher Drake Baldwin has been named the 2025 National League Rookie of the Year, narrowly defeating Chicago Cubs pitcher Cade Horton in one of the closest votes in recent memory. The 24-year-old Baldwin earned 21 first-place votes and 183 total points, while Horton finished with nine first-place votes and 139 points.

Baldwin’s breakout season comes after starting the year unexpectedly in the Braves’ Opening Day lineup due to Sean Murphy’s rib injury. From that moment, Baldwin turned opportunity into excellence — developing into a franchise cornerstone and a key contributor for Atlanta’s playoff run.

Drake Baldwin’s Stellar Season Earns NL Rookie of the Year Honors

In 2025, Baldwin hit .274 with 19 home runs, 80 RBIs, and an .810 OPS across 124 games. He led all National League rookies in RBIs while balancing the demanding responsibilities of a full-time catcher. His steady bat and improving defense helped anchor a Braves team that remained a postseason contender despite injuries to key veterans.

Because Baldwin was on the Opening Day roster and stayed with the team all season, the Braves will also receive an additional first-round draft pick in 2026 under MLB’s Prospect Promotion Incentive rule — a new system rewarding teams that promote and retain top prospects who go on to win major awards.

“You can think you know what to expect before the season starts, but once you do it, it’s a whole different beast,” Baldwin said after the season ended. “I learned so much about myself and about this game. Everyone here made me feel like I belonged.”

Veteran ace Chris Sale praised the young catcher’s maturity, noting that the role comes with unique pressures. “Catching is a tough ask for young guys,” Sale said. “He’s managing his offense and also 13 or 14 pitchers — personalities, preparation, adjustments. He handled it all like a pro.”

Historic Achievement for Atlanta Braves and Baldwin’s Future

Baldwin is the sixth Braves player to win the NL Rookie of the Year since 1990 and the third in the past eight seasons, joining Michael Harris II (2022) and Ronald Acuña Jr. (2018). No other National League team has matched that success during the same period.

His progression from a late-round draft pick to the top rookie in the league underscores the Braves’ player development system, which continues to produce MLB-ready talent. Baldwin’s emergence also strengthens Atlanta’s catching depth for 2026, especially as veteran Sean Murphy recovers from hip surgery.

Baldwin’s journey from replacement rookie to award-winning cornerstone symbolizes Atlanta’s resilience and depth — and his 2025 campaign will be remembered as one of the most impressive rookie seasons by a catcher in recent history.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Who won the 2025 NL Rookie of the Year?

Drake Baldwin of the Atlanta Braves won the 2025 National League Rookie of the Year award.

Q2: How close was the NL Rookie of the Year race?

Baldwin received 21 first-place votes and 183 points, while Cubs pitcher Cade Horton had nine first-place votes and 139 points.

Q3: What were Drake Baldwin’s 2025 season stats?

He hit .274 with 19 home runs, 80 RBIs, an .810 OPS, and started 85 games at catcher.

Q4: How does Baldwin’s win benefit the Braves?

The Braves receive a Prospect Promotion Incentive draft pick at the end of the first round in 2026.

Q5: Who are the other recent Braves Rookie of the Year winners?

Michael Harris II (2022) and Ronald Acuña Jr. (2018) previously won the award.