Drake Baldwin

Baldwin came into the 2022 season viewed as a bat-first catcher who was also a solid leader behind the plate. His power arrived this year, transforming him as a draft prospect. A two-time all-state hockey player in high school who led the state of Wisconsin in goals as a junior, Baldwin hit five home runs in his first two years at Missouri State, but blossomed to hit 19 this year, including three in the NCAA regionals. Baldwin’s power comes more from leverage and strength than whippy hands, but he has developed into a clever, selective hitter with all-fields power. He walked as much as he struck out in 2022 to go with his 19 home runs. Defensively, there are more questions about Baldwin’s potential. He is an improving and willing defender, but he’s fringe-average at best right now. Baldwin sets with a wide base and has adequate hands, which helps him present pitches well. His blocking is more erratic. He has an average arm. As a lefthanded-hitting catcher with power, Baldwin has hit his way into the third-to-fifth round range.