We are a couple of weeks away from the 2025 MLB All-Star game and the Atlanta Braves are likely only going to have one position player represented. It isn't unexpected as most of the offense has underperformed this season.
Ronald Acuña Jr. should be in the starting lineup for the NL All-Stars as he finished third in the first round of voting. The second round of voting begins on June 30th at 12 p.m. EST and closes on July 2nd at 12 p.m. EST.
Spencer Schwellenbach is pitching so well that he should earn his first All-Star appearance this year as well. He furthered his case by pitching a fantastic seven innings against the Phillies on Saturday night with a career-high 12 strikeouts.
He's becoming the ace that Atlanta hoped he would be and more. On a recent appearance on the Foul Territory podcast, Schwellenbach took the time to praise one of his battery mates and their All-Star worthiness.
Spencer Schwellenbach believes Drake Baldwin deserves to represent the Braves at the MLB All-Star Game
Schwellenbach has a good point because Baldwin has been an absolute revelation for the Braves this year. He's done so well that many fans believe he's earned the opportunity to be the primary catcher in Atlanta over Sean Murphy.
It's hard not to believe that when he's performing at such a high rate. Schwellenbach mentioned on the podcast that he thinks Baldwin should be an All-Star and "doesn't get enough credit."
Drake Bladwin deserves to be an All-Star, says @SpencerSchwell. 👏
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) June 27, 2025
"He doesn't get enough credit." pic.twitter.com/hW5apzxVxy
Schwelly pointed to the fact that Baldwin had a hard time at the beginning. He was hitting the ball hard with nothing to show for it. But that has changed as Baldwin is third among qualified rookies with a 1.9 WAR. He's also tied with Athletics outfielder Nick Kurtz for the third-best wRC+ among rookies at 131.
He's improved a lot on the defensive side of things and the only offensive metrics he really needs to improve is his chase rate which is league average at 27.4%. However, he's excelling in almost every other category and leading in the NL Rookie of the Year standings.
Maybe he will still get a call to join the National League All-Stars despite not being voted in. Regardless of that, Braves fans know they have a special player to watch for many years to come.