The biggest storyline in this otherwise disappointing season for the Atlanta Braves has been Drake Baldwin's odds to win National League Rookie of the Year. Baldwin was the leader in the clubhouse for most of the season's first half, but a second half surge from Cubs pitcher Cade Horton has dropped Baldwin in the latest ROY odds.
Both Baldwin and Horton have excellent cases for winning the award, and who is more deserving mostly depends on who you are asking. Jim Bowden of The Athletic recently released his award predictions for the National League, and his vote for NL Rookie of the Year is certainly one Braves fans can get behind.
ROOKIE. OF. THE. YEAR.#BravesCountry pic.twitter.com/f6gfodFk0U
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) September 20, 2025
Bowden predicts Baldwin will take home NL Rookie of the Year award over Horton
Despite Cade Horton being the favorite in most betting markets, Jim Bowden predicted the Braves rookie to win. Bowden's reasoning stated he favored Baldwin because Atlanta's catcher has been on the big league roster since Opening Day. He pointed to Baldwin's consistency and Horton's first half struggles as another reason for his choice.
While making your Rookie of the Year pick based on who has been on the big league roster longer isn't likely to be shared throughout BBWAA voters, Baldwin's strong finish to the season could sway things in his favor. Some voters prefer the value of an everyday player versus a pitcher, so Baldwin also has that going for him.
Additionally, there is a group of voters who choose their winner based strictly on WAR. Thankfully Baldwin edges out Horton in both fWAR (Baldwin 2.7 - Horton 2.2) and bWAR (Baldwin 2.7 - Horton 1.9), so Baldwin should gain votes from the group of voters that go with that style of reasoning.
The importance of Baldwin winning Rookie of the Year has been well documented, and the young backstop is doing his best to leave voters with a good impression thanks to his recent good work. It's safe to say an additional first round pick could do wonders for Atlanta's farm system, so let's hold out hope that fellow voters share the same opinion as Bowden.