Drake Baldwin’s Breakout Season Earns Him a Spot on MLB’s 2026 Top 100 Players Right Now List

The Atlanta Braves have a new star on the rise, and MLB Network has officially recognized him. Drake Baldwin, the Braves’ Rookie of the Year in 2025, has cracked the Top 100 Players Right Now list, debuting at No. 96. This achievement marks a significant milestone for the young catcher, who has quickly made his mark in his second season in the majors.

Baldwin’s journey to this point has been nothing short of impressive. He entered the 2025 season in a tough spot, stepping into the starting catcher role after Sean Murphy suffered a cracked rib in spring training. Given the circumstances, Baldwin was thrust into the spotlight sooner than expected, but he adapted quickly, showcasing a disciplined approach at the plate that helped him succeed right from the start.

Over the course of the season, Baldwin proved to be more than just a fill-in. He played 124 games, though he started only 97 of them, primarily platooning with Murphy. Despite this limited starting role, Baldwin still made his presence felt, often coming through in clutch moments. One of his most memorable plays came in a walk-off win against the Cincinnati Reds early in the season, a game in which Baldwin was not even a starter.

The second half of the season saw Baldwin step up even more, particularly when Murphy was sidelined for the final month of the year. Taking over as the full-time starter, Baldwin didn’t miss a beat. He finished the season with a .274 batting average, an .810 OPS, a 126 OPS+, 19 home runs, and 80 RBIs. These numbers helped solidify his Rookie of the Year candidacy, and once the votes were tallied, Baldwin ran away with the award, receiving 21 of 30 first-place votes.

Chicago Cubs’ rookie pitcher Cade Horton received the remaining nine votes, but Baldwin’s performance over the course of the season was simply too strong to ignore. With his Rookie of the Year campaign now in the rearview mirror, Baldwin is looking ahead to the 2026 season with even greater expectations. With Sean Murphy expected to miss the start of the season, Baldwin will likely find himself in a similar situation to last year, but this time with the advantage of a full year of MLB experience.

The Braves’ Continued Dominance in MLB’s Top 100 Players

Baldwin’s inclusion on the list is part of a broader trend for the Braves, who continue to establish themselves as a team brimming with talent. Last season, the Braves had seven players featured on the Top 100 Players Right Now list. Two of those players—Ronald Acuña Jr. and Chris Sale—were ranked among the top 20 players in baseball, and both are expected to be back on the list in 2026.

Matt Olson, who was also ranked in the Top 100 last year, should make another appearance this season as well. As a powerful slugger, Olson’s consistency at the plate and ability to drive in runs make him a staple of the Braves’ lineup. The team’s continued success is a testament to the contributions of these key players, including Baldwin, who could be on track to become one of their next superstars.

However, not all Braves players have been so fortunate in the rankings. Austin Riley, a top performer for the Braves in 2025, was revealed to have been left off the list entirely. Last season, Riley ranked No. 33, a significant drop given his previous placement. The exclusion of Riley from the list highlights how quickly things can change in MLB, and while Riley remains an integral part of the Braves, his absence from the rankings is certainly a surprise.

Another notable absence is Marcell Ozuna, who was ranked in the top 50 players last year but is currently not with the Braves. His departure from the team has effectively eliminated him from consideration for this year’s list. Ozuna’s absence leaves a hole in the Braves’ lineup, but the team’s depth and overall talent should still carry them forward.

The Braves are also watching Michael Harris II closely. After a strong finish to the 2025 season, Harris could find himself in the Top 100 list for 2026. If he makes the cut, it will be a reflection of his growth and the impact he’s had on the Braves’ success. However, if he doesn’t appear in the next 20 players revealed, it could signal that Harris has missed out on the list for now, despite his late surge last year.

Jurickson Profar’s Fall from Grace

Jurickson Profar, who was ranked No. 84 last year, is another player who is likely to be left off the list in 2026. Profar’s 2025 season was marred by a PED suspension, which caused him to miss half of the season. Given his limited playing time and the overall impact of his suspension, it’s no surprise that Profar has likely dropped out of the Top 100.

Despite these setbacks, the door is always open for players like Profar, Riley, and others who missed the mark this year to return to the list in 2027. Baseball is a sport of reinvention and redemption, and all it takes is a strong comeback season to reclaim a spot on the prestigious Top 100 Players Right Now list.

Looking Ahead: Who Else Will Make the List?

While the Braves are expected to have at least four players—Baldwin, Olson, Sale, and Acuña—on the list, there could be others who make an appearance, though it would be a surprise. The competition for spots on the Top 100 is fierce, with several talented players vying for limited positions. The Braves’ farm system continues to churn out prospects, and players like Harris and Riley could return to the list if they have strong seasons.

For now, fans of the Braves and other teams will be eagerly awaiting the next set of rankings to see who else will make the cut. The inclusion of Baldwin on the list is a testament to the young catcher’s potential, and his place among the game’s best in 2026 will only add to the excitement surrounding his career.

As the season progresses and the rankings continue to evolve, one thing is certain: the Braves’ dominance in the MLB Top 100 Players Right Now list is far from over, and with players like Baldwin leading the charge, the future looks even brighter for Atlanta.