Drake Baldwin’s ROY Secures Extra First-Round Pick for Atlanta Braves
Drake Baldwin has been recognized as the National League Rookie of the Year, a notable achievement for the Atlanta Braves. This accolade brings significant benefits to the team, including an extra first-round pick in the upcoming 2026 MLB Draft. This situation arises from the new Prospect Promotion Incentive instated in the MLB Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Baldwin’s Impact on the Braves’ Draft Strategy
The Prospect Promotion Incentive is designed to encourage teams to promote talented players rather than keeping them in the minors, which prolongs their service time. Players who qualify as Top 100 prospects and make the Opening Day roster are eligible. This rule has benefitted teams like the Seattle Mariners and Kansas City Royals in previous seasons.
With Baldwin’s title, the Braves will receive a draft pick that comes after the first round, likely in the range of picks 26 to 30. The precise draft order is still uncertain, but projected impacts highlight the slot values from previous years:
| 2025 Draft Pick Range | Slot Value |
|---|---|
| 26th Pick | $3,492,200 |
| 30th Pick | $3,113,300 |
This extra pick will boost the Braves’ bonus pool significantly, an advantageous position for the team in securing high-caliber prospects. The Braves could potentially gain over $3.5 million added to their pool, enhancing their ability to select strong talents early in the draft.
Potential Prospects for the Braves
Here are ten prospects who may be available for the Braves with their new first-round pick:
- Caden Bogenpohl, OF, Missouri State: A powerful 6’6” slugger known for his excellent plate discipline.
- Trevor Condon, OF, Georgia HS: A Woodstock native renowned for his speed and defensive skills.
- Daniel Cuvet, 3B/1B, Miami: A powerful third baseman with 42 career homers at Miami.
- Brady Harris, OF, Florida HS: Possesses five-tool potential despite a recent dip in hitting performance.
- Vahn Lackey, C, Georgia Tech: A glove-first catcher with notable athleticism and offensive upside.
- Trey Rangel, RHP, Texas HS: Features electric fastball and slider; command improvements needed.
- Kevin Roberts, OF/RHP, Mississippi HS: A versatile player with potential as a two-way prospect.
- Aiden Ruiz, SS, New York HS: A switch-hitting shortstop with strong defensive skills and line-drive hitting.
- Savion Sims, RHP, Texas HS: A tall pitcher showcasing high fastball velocity and a work-in-progress slider.
- Kaden Waechter, RHP, Florida HS: The son of former big leaguer, noted for his projectable pitching skills.
With the excitement surrounding Baldwin’s ROY award, the Braves’ draft strategy is set to benefit significantly, paving the way for future successes. Fans and analysts alike eagerly await the 2026 MLB Draft, where the team will capitalize on this opportunity.
