A groundbreaking moment in baseball history has unfolded, leaving fans and experts alike in awe. The Braves' catcher, Drake Baldwin, has achieved an unprecedented feat, becoming the first catcher since 2010 to win the prestigious Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year award, as announced by the BBWAA.
On November 10, 2025, Baldwin's name was etched into the record books, joining an elite group of catchers who have claimed this honor. With this achievement, he not only secured his place in the Braves' history but also became the seventh catcher to win the NL award, following in the footsteps of Earl Williams, who won it for the Braves back in 1971.
But here's where it gets even more impressive: Baldwin's win marks the tenth time a Braves player has been bestowed with this prestigious title, placing them second in the NL, just behind the Dodgers' record-holding eighteen wins.
And this is the part most people miss: the journey to this accomplishment is filled with fascinating stories. For instance, did you know that the Braves didn't have a Rookie of the Year winner during their years in Milwaukee? It's these little-known facts that make baseball history so captivating.
Baldwin's unanimous victory, with his name appearing on all ballots, further solidifies his status as a standout player. The voting system, rewarding seven points for first place down to one point for fifth place, highlights the significance of this achievement.
Here's a breakdown of the voting results, showcasing the top contenders:
| Player | Team | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th | Points |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Drake Baldwin | Braves | 21 | 9 | 183 | | | |
| Cade Horton | Cubs | 9 | 16 | 4 | | | 139 |
| Caleb Durbin | Brewers | 2 | 13 | 9 | 4 | 69 | |
| Isaac Collins | Brewers | 2 | 9 | 13 | 1 | 62 | |
| Daylen Lile | Nationals | 1 | 3 | 8 | 17 | | |
| Agustin Ramírez | Marlins | 2 | 6 | 10 | | | |
| Chad Patrick | Brewers | 1 | 1 | 4 | 9 | | |
| Jakob Marsee | Marlins | 1 | 1 | 2 | 8 | | |
| Jack Dreyer | Dodgers | 1 | 1 | 4 | | | |
| Matt Shaw | Cubs | 1 | 1 | 4 | | | |
| Jacob Misiorowski | Brewers | 1 | 2 | | | | |
| Nolan McLean | Mets | 2 | 2 | | | | |
| Heriberto Hernández | Marlins | 1 | 1 | | | | |
The detailed breakdown of individual ballots, submitted by writers representing each city in the National League, provides an insightful look into the voting process. For more on this, check out our Voting FAQ.
Now, here's a controversial point to consider: With Baldwin's win, should we expect a shift in the way catchers are perceived in baseball? Could this lead to a new era where catchers are more frequently recognized for their exceptional skills? Share your thoughts in the comments! Baseball enthusiasts, let's discuss!
