Drake Baldwin Leads Jim Bowden’s Top 10 National League Rookies

The 2025 MLB season has thrown plenty of curveballs already, but maybe the biggest surprise is who’s leading the race for National League Rookie of the Year. Preseason hype swirled around Dylan Crews and Roki Sasaki, but injuries and some underwhelming performances changed the landscape fast.

Now, Drake Baldwin—the Atlanta Braves catcher—hasn’t just stepped in, he’s taken over. He’s delivered steady offense, top-tier defense, and has managed to stay healthy, making him the clear frontrunner in a rookie class loaded with arms and fresh talent.

Drake Baldwin: From Underdog to Frontrunner

Baldwin, just 24, has shocked a lot of folks in Atlanta this year. He’s played 106 games, put up a .276/.349/.447 slash line, hammered 15 homers, and racked up 63 RBIs.

His 122 OPS+ is well above league average. What really jumps out, though, is how dependable he’s been on both sides of the ball.

Behind the plate, Baldwin’s skills go beyond what you see in the box score. He blocks balls, frames pitches, and makes life a whole lot easier for the Braves’ pitchers.

That kind of defense has helped Atlanta stay steady in a division that’s been anything but easy.

Why Baldwin Leads the Pack

Baldwin hasn’t spent much time on the IL or gone into any long slumps. He just keeps showing up, and in a Rookie of the Year race that often comes down to who’s still standing in September, that matters.

He brings the kind of offensive and defensive mix you hope for in a young catcher. Honestly, nobody else in the NL rookie crop matches that balance this season.

Rookie Pitchers Making Waves

Baldwin’s been the headline, but a few rookie pitchers have turned heads too. They’ve kept things interesting, even if Baldwin’s got the edge.

Nolan McLean – Mets’ Electric Arm

McLean’s only started four games, but he’s made every one count. The 24-year-old righty owns a 1.37 ERA, flashing a nasty curve and a lively fastball in the mid-90s.

If he’d pitched more, maybe he’d be a real threat for the award.

Cade Horton – Cubs’ New Ace

Horton’s become the Cubs’ most dependable starter. He’s thrown 103 2/3 innings with a 2.78 ERA, and his breaking stuff keeps hitters guessing.

Chicago always has a shot when he’s on the mound.

Jacob Misiorowski – Brewers’ Power Pitcher

Misiorowski brings heat with a triple-digit fastball and a filthy slider, but he’s struggled to find the zone at times. Injuries haven’t helped either.

Hurston Waldrep – Braves’ Rising Star

Waldrep, another young Braves arm, has been almost untouchable with a 1.33 ERA over 40 2/3 innings. His split-finger pitch just makes hitters look silly.

Other Notable Rookie Standouts

It’s not just Baldwin and the pitchers. A few other NL rookies have carved out their own space in 2025.

• Collins (Brewers Outfielder) – He’s a defensive standout and gets on base at a .371 clip. That’s no small feat.
• Jakob Marsee (Marlins Outfielder) – He debuted in August and immediately caught fire, posting a 153 OPS+ in his first month. Talk about making an entrance.

The Award is Baldwin’s to Lose

With less than a month left in the regular season, Drake Baldwin sits in the driver’s seat. His steady offense, sharp defense, and impressive durability put him a clear step ahead of the pack.

The Braves lean on him behind the plate. He plays with a maturity you just don’t expect from a rookie.

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