Drake Baldwin is an American professional baseball catcher for the Atlanta Braves in Major League Baseball (MLB). Born on March 28, 2001, in Madison, Wisconsin, Baldwin demonstrated athletic prowess from a young age, excelling in both baseball and ice hockey at Madison West High School. He was recognized as the state’s fourth overall recruit and second-best catching prospect in 2019.
He continued his baseball career at Missouri State University, where he played for the Bears. In his junior year, Baldwin delivered an impressive performance, hitting .341 with 19 home runs and 70 RBIs over 60 games, significantly boosting his draft prospects.
The Atlanta Braves selected Baldwin in the third round of the 2022 MLB Draft, making him the 96th overall pick. He began his professional career with the Florida Complex League Braves, later advancing through the ranks to the Augusta GreenJackets, Rome Braves, Mississippi Braves, and Gwinnett Stripers. Throughout the 2023 season, he posted a combined .270 batting average with 16 home runs and 61 RBIs across these teams.
Baldwin’s rapid development earned him a spot in the MLB Futures Game in 2024 and a place on Team USA’s roster for the WBSC Premier12 tournament. He made his MLB debut with the Braves on March 27, 2025, starting as catcher on Opening Day—a rare achievement for a debutant. In his debut game, Baldwin went 0-for-3 at the plate but drew a walk and handled the catching duties effectively.
As of March 29, 2025, Baldwin continues to be a promising talent for the Braves, with fans and analysts eager to see how his career unfolds at the major league level.