Braves Stars Reflect on Challenges of Rookie of the Year Seasons

The Atlanta Braves have had a remarkable run in recent years, producing a number of talented players who have won the prestigious Rookie of the Year award. Among the players who have received this honor, three are now teammates: Drake Baldwin, Michael Harris, and Ronald Acuña Jr. These young stars have faced the challenges of being top prospects and then handling the pressure of living up to the hype while navigating the demands of a Major League Baseball season. For them, the journey to becoming Rookie of the Year wasn’t just about talent; it was about mindset, resilience, and learning from those who had been through the same grind before.

Drake Baldwin: A New Addition to the List

In November, Drake Baldwin was named the 2025 Rookie of the Year, capping off a stellar season that saw him shine as a clutch hitter for the Braves. Baldwin’s rookie season was no small feat, especially considering the weight of being thrust into the spotlight as a key player for the team. What made his experience unique, however, was the support he received from the veterans around him. For Baldwin, being part of a team that included two previous Rookie of the Year winners in Harris and Acuña, along with a manager who won the award in 1988, made a significant difference.

During an interview at the Braves Fest Gala, Baldwin expressed how valuable it was to be surrounded by teammates who had gone through similar experiences. “I mean, it was definitely helpful to be around people who have done the same things,” Baldwin said. “You watch how they go about their day, take everything in, and you kind of learn from that.” This camaraderie and mentorship were crucial in helping Baldwin stay grounded and focused throughout the season.

The role of a rookie in a major-league team comes with expectations, but Baldwin was able to manage it by taking things one day at a time. He acknowledged the challenge of staying focused amidst the external noise and attention that comes with being a top prospect. “It’s hard to say it wasn’t on my radar,” he shared. “You definitely see all the stuff, whether it be social media or just hearing interviews and stuff like that. But baseball is such a tough game; obviously, you’re going to have that end goal, but trying to press every single day, it never really works out.” Baldwin’s approach to keeping things in perspective and enjoying the ride helped him succeed during his rookie year.

Acuña and Harris: Learning to Focus on the Game

For Ronald Acuña Jr and Michael Harris, winning Rookie of the Year was about finding a balance between their personal goals and the team’s needs. Acuña, who won the award in 2018, and Harris, who claimed the honor in 2022, both agreed that aiming for the award itself wasn’t the focus. Instead, their mindset was about doing what they had to do to contribute to the team’s success and not letting the noise get to them.

“When I won mine, I was in Double-A that year,” Harris said, reflecting on his own journey to Rookie of the Year. “So, I was just trying to make it out of Double-A up to Triple-A, and luckily, I was able to skip Triple-A. Like he said, you don’t, kind of, reach for that.” Harris, like Baldwin, emphasized that staying focused on the process, not the award, was key to their success. “It’s hard not to hear about it. When you walk in the clubhouse, MLB Network is on already.”

For these young stars, the knowledge that they were in the conversation for such an award was enough to keep them focused on their goals. “What helps is knowing you’re in the conversation,” Harris added. “In a way, it allows you to just let you do what you’re doing.” Harris’ approach to simply playing his game and letting the rest unfold naturally helped him excel as a rookie.

The Pressure of Expectations

The pressure on a rookie to live up to expectations can be immense. Baldwin’s situation was even more daunting because, in addition to the usual rookie challenges, he was handed the starting catcher role from day one. Following Sean Murphy’s injury, Baldwin found himself thrust into the spotlight as the presumed starting catcher for 2026. For Baldwin, the pressure was not just about living up to the hype but about stepping into the big shoes of a key position. He showed resilience in managing the demands of the position and also balanced the expectations with his focus on continual improvement.

In Spring Training 2026, Baldwin will be working to solidify his place as the starting catcher for the Braves, a role that comes with its own set of challenges. Having earned his spot, Baldwin now looks to build on his first season as the team’s everyday backstop. As spring training gets underway, it’s clear that Baldwin’s success will depend on maintaining his focus, handling the pressures of being a major-league starter, and continuing to learn from his veteran teammates.

A Future Built on Mental Toughness

For all the accolades that come with being named Rookie of the Year, one thing is clear: it’s not just the talent that makes these players stand out, but their mental toughness. Baldwin, Acuña, and Harris have all exemplified this quality in different ways. Whether it’s Baldwin staying grounded amid the attention of his rookie season, Acuña maintaining focus during his breakthrough campaign, or Harris taking it one step at a time, the ability to block out distractions and focus on the game is key to success in the major leagues.

As the Braves look ahead to the 2026 season, their young stars will continue to grow and mature. For Baldwin, the challenge of backing up his Rookie of the Year performance will require even more focus and mental resilience. As the Braves embark on another year of championship contention, the presence of these players—each of whom has learned how to handle the pressures of being at the top—will be essential to the team’s success.

In the end, Rookie of the Year is a great accomplishment, but the real challenge lies in continuing to live up to the hype and meeting the expectations of what comes next. For Baldwin, Harris, and Acuña, their journey has only just begun, and the real test will be how they continue to grow and thrive as they move forward in their careers.