While the 2024 All-Star break festivities are highlighted by the All-Star Game itself as well as the MLB Draft and of course the Home Run Derby for lovers of dingers, it is also a big event for lovers of prospects as it is when the Futures Game takes place where the top prospects in each league square off for an exhibition game of their own. Fortunately, fans of the Atlanta Braves will have a stake in the game once again.
The selection process for the Futures Game is a bit more arcane than it is for the big league All-Star Game, but the principle is close to the same. The Futures Game is a seven-inning exhibition (or possibly eight, but no more than that) where the best prospects in each league get to showcase themselves in front of the All-Star attendees. It has been the site for several breakout prospect performances over the years.
For the Braves, they will only have one participant this year as their farm system isn't quite what it used to be and injuries eliminated guys like Owen Murphy and Hurston Waldrep from consideration. However, the Braves' lone Futures Game representative, catcher Drake Baldwin, is worth keeping an eye on.
Braves News: Atlanta catching prospect Drake Baldwin named to 2024 Futures Game roster
Many Braves fans won't be familiar with Baldwin as he is a relatively recent addition to their prospect ranks. While Baldwin hasn't received the same hype as some Braves prospects like Waldrep, Spencer Schwellenbach, and Nacho Alvarez (who also would have been a fine addition), he has really made a name for himself since the Braves drafted him in the third round of the 2022 MLB Draft out of Missouri State.
After an uneven pro debut during his draft year, Baldwin started to get on folks' radars in 2023 when he slashed .270/.384/.460 and blasted his way all the way to Triple-A while getting high grades for his improvement in controlling the running game and managing his pitchers. While his .713 OPS at Triple-A this season isn't quite as impressive as last year's marks, he has still shown a strong knack for getting on base thanks to his patient approach while having a bit of pop in his bat as well. At catcher, that is more than enough.
Unfortunately for Baldwin, his path to playing time with the Braves is complicated. The team obviously already has Sean Murphy under contract through at least 2028 and it feels likely that Atlanta will exercise Travis d'Arnaud's $8 million club option if he wants to play another year. However, the Futures Game is a great opportunity for teams to showcase prospects ahead of the trade deadline, so don't be surprised if Baldwin's name starts popping up in trade rumors this month especially if he performs well in the game.