Atlanta Braves news and notes from Wednesday
Well, the Braves did not have the best evening in Flushing, but Drake Baldwin hit a homer and drew a walk (something he’s been doing a lot of recently). Drake is having a great season, having accumulated 2.0 fWAR, posting a great 135 wRC+, and giving strong defensive value at the valuable catcher position. He is among the favorites for NL ROY and leads all NL rookies in fWAR. Not only would this be a special award for Drake as an individual and one more in a line of recent Atlanta winners of the award, but this would also earn the franchise an additional first round draft pick in 2026. Now, this is a pretty stupid rule to have such a valuable asset hinge on something so arbitrary, but that has become one of my major rooting interests this season nonetheless. As we are about halfway through the season now, there’s something to keep on your radar.
Braves News
Ronald Acuna will be participating in the Home Run Derby this year in Atlanta, as he hopes that will be one of two All-Star events he participates in this year.
MLB News
The Rays have had preliminary discussions with the league about potential playoff home field options for the perpetually overperforming franchise.
Once-promising extension discussions between Jeremy Pena and the Astros have been paused since Pena signed Scott Boras as his agent.
Kutter Crawford’s season is likely over for the Red Sox, after needing wrist surgery.