Drake Baldwin made an early impression on Atlanta, one that required the team to move on from Chadwick Tromp to make room for Sean Murphy. There simply wasn't a path for the team to move Baldwin back down to Gwinnett when the catcher was so clearly ready. After Murphy's 2024 struggles, it was fair to wonder if the veteran could be considered the second option.
These notions were quickly quieted with Murphy making an undeniable statement in his return to the lineup. The catcher has been on an offensive tear that reminded Atlanta fans of the impact the veteran can have at the plate.
It is going to be impossible to keep Murphy out of the lineup with his current level of production. This is a problem that is going to take care of itself as long as Marcell Ozuna remains out of the lineup. However, this is only a short-term answer to an obviously welcome problem. Baldwin's early-season performance demands more at-bats. Baldwin cannot continually sit on the bench, but Murphy is making it impossible to keep his bat out of the lineup.
Braves' Impressive Depth is Hurting Drake Baldwin
Among Atlanta's long list of problems, having too much depth at a position is a welcome one. Even the minor leagues have a solid option with James McCann being an accomplished major league veteran. This doesn't aid Baldwin, who has more than done his part to earn more playing time. Putting together gritty at-bats and calling solid games behind the plate, the typical mistakes you see from a young catcher are rarely present.
Still, how can the Braves take Murphy out of the lineup with his current production? Once Ozuna returns, it is a real concern that the Braves are going to be forced to address. Baldwin is simply too talented to have his development halted by consistently sitting on the bench.
Whether in the lower levels or with Atlanta, Baldwin needs to be getting consistent at-bats. His early-season performance has more than earned this, with the only thing standing in his way being a truly incredible offensive start from veteran Sean Murphy.