While the 2025 Atlanta Braves season didn't go as planned, it wasn't because of lack of help from their young players. In addition to NL Rookie of the Year Drake Baldwin's production throughout the season, the Braves also got a half season of ace-level domination from second year starter Spencer Schwellenbach, as well as an excellent 10-game run from former first rounder Hurston Waldrep.
Since 2022, MLB has rewarded pre-arbitration players for their performances, and Baldwin, Schwellenbach, and Waldrep were among the 101 players who received the bonus.
3 Braves receive hefty pre-arbitration bonuses from MLB
There is roughly $50 million in the pre-arb bonus pool, which comes from every team paying roughly $1.67 million. MLB determines the payouts by awards, then by the top 100 qualified based on WAR.
Pirates ace Paul Skenes topped the pre-arb bonus chart, earning an extra $3.44 million thanks to outstanding his Cy Young performance. Braves catcher Drake Baldwin was the eighth-highest earners among the 101 players who received a pre-arb bonus, taking home $1.175 million after his Rookie of the Year campaign. This was over 150% more than he earned in the 2025 season through his league-minimum salary.
Spencer Schwellenbach earned an extra $335,439 thanks to his excellent first half, slightly less than he earned last season. The 25-year-old righty didn't pitch after June 28, but still managed a 2.4 fWAR thanks to his 3.09 ERA/3.25 FIP in 110.2 innings.
Hurston Waldrep didn't even appear in a big league game until August 3, and it was only because of the rain delay at Bristol Motor Speedway that gave him the opportunity. However, after pitching 5.2 innings of one-run ball, he never went back to Gwinnett. In his 10 games, Waldrep had a 2.88 ERA and 3.21 FIP in 56.1 innings pitched, finishing fourth on the Braves among pitchers with 1.2 fWAR.
For his performance, Waldrep earned an extra $221,100, which is not insignificant considering his prorated salary in 2025 was $212,472. All three players remain eligible for the pre-arb bonus next season, and it wouldn't be shocking if the trio combine to earn more through the bonus pool in 2026 than they did in 2025.