While the 2024 All-Star break is renowned for the All-Star Game, MLB Draft, and the thrilling Home Run Derby, it also features the Futures Game, a major highlight for prospect enthusiasts. This exhibition game allows top minor league talents from each league to showcase their skills. Braves fans will have a vested interest again this year.
The selection process for the Futures Game, though less straightforward than the MLB All-Star Game, aims to spotlight the premier prospects. The game, typically seven innings, provides a stage for emerging stars. Historically, it has been a platform for breakout performances. This year, the Braves will be represented by just one player due to a less robust farm system and injuries sidelining prospects like Owen Murphy and Hurston Waldrep. However, the chosen representative, catcher Drake Baldwin, is a notable talent to watch.
Baldwin, not as well-known as some other Braves prospects such as Waldrep, Spencer Schwellenbach, or Nacho Alvarez, has gained attention since being drafted in the third round of the 2022 MLB Draft from Missouri State. After a rocky start in 2022, Baldwin impressed in 2023, with a .270/.384/.460 slash line and a promotion to Triple-A. His improvements in controlling the running game and handling pitchers earned high marks. Although his .713 OPS in Triple-A this season is modest, his strong on-base skills and power potential make him a promising catcher.
Baldwin faces a challenging path to the Braves’ roster, with Sean Murphy signed through 2028 and the potential retention of Travis d’Arnaud. Nonetheless, the Futures Game presents a prime opportunity for Baldwin to showcase his talents, potentially boosting his trade value as the deadline approaches.