As unfortunate as they are, injuries are opportunities, one that Braves top prospect Drake Baldwin has been handed after the Sean Murphy injury. With Atlanta's current depth chart at the position, it is close to impossible that Baldwin won't make the team's Opening Day roster. It would take a complete spring collapse for the rookie not to take advantage of the opportunity and become a surprise piece of Atlanta's Opening Day lineup.
Chadwick Tromp is set to be the team's primary backup with non-roster invitees Curt Casali and Sandy Leon as the only other possible options. Barring a signing or a surprise collapse, Baldwin will be given a chance to start and give Atlanta an early glimpse at their future at the position.
Early returns have been impressive, with Baldwin getting on base consistently in the early days of spring training. Fans aren't the only ones taking note of this, with Braves starter Reynaldo Lopez and manager Brian Snitker both offering eye-catching quotes.
“I really feel like his catching ability, the way he’s been framing pitches has surprised me up to this point. I feel like the way he’s been framing and receiving and everything, it’s very impressive." - Reynaldo López on Drake Baldwin https://t.co/tDBS6G77Er
— Gabe Burns (@GabeBurnsAJC) March 3, 2025
Hearing this from Lopez is exactly the development and step forward fans were hoping to see. Baldwin is going to be a consistent producer at the plate when he makes the leap to the next level. The one question or concern is how he would adjust defensively. Lopez's quote offers reassurance that this won't be a concern with the Braves in great hands until Sean Murphy is able to return.
What will be interesting for Atlanta is if Baldwin is able to take full advantage of his time in the starting lineup. Murphy is coming off a frustrating 2024 season and was a big part of the team's offensive failures last season. If Baldwin is able to consistently produce during the first weeks of the season, the Braves will have a very interesting decision on their hands.
The prospect was a big part of the reason the team decided to move on from long-time Brave Travis d'Arnaud. While Chadwick Tromp was expected to be the team's primary backup to begin the season, things could change if Baldwin proves he is ready for the next level. Sean Murphy's injury is a frustrating one, however, it does serve as a chance for the future to arrive sooner than expected and perhaps for the Atlanta lineup to find the missing piece.