Braves Finalize Roster Ahead of Opening Day
PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. — The Atlanta Braves made key roster decisions six days before Opening Day by adding three players: right-handed relievers Héctor Neris and Enyel de los Santos, along with rookie catcher Drake Baldwin, all of whom participated as non-roster invitees during spring training.
These roster moves were anticipated based on their spring performances and the team’s requirements, as indicated by comments made earlier by manager Brian Snitker. Among these decisions, the inclusion of Baldwin, the team’s top prospect, was particularly expected.
It was already known that catcher Sean Murphy would be starting the season on the injured list due to a fractured rib sustained two weeks ago, making Baldwin the prime candidate to step in during Murphy’s absence. However, at 23 years old, Baldwin refrained from assuming his roster spot until receiving confirmation from Snitker.
This confirmation came on Friday morning at the Braves’ spring training facility, CoolToday Park in North Port, Florida, before their bus ride to Port Charlotte to face the Tampa Bay Rays. Baldwin expressed his excitement, stating, “Nice to officially hear it, to talk to Snit and have him tell me,” after contributing to the Braves’ 7-3 victory.
Baldwin explained his feelings, stating, “I didn’t know for sure, but it’s nice to know I’m going over to San Diego,” where he will be catching the reigning NL Cy Young Award winner, Chris Sale, in the season opener. His teammates were equally supportive and excited for Baldwin, who began the previous season in Double A and is set to make his major league debut.
Drafted in the third round in 2022 from Missouri State University, Baldwin’s impressive performance last summer after moving up to Triple A propelled him onto Top 100 prospect lists, including notable rankings by Baseball Prospectus and Keith Law in The Athletic. Sale acknowledged Baldwin’s hard work throughout spring training, emphasizing the significance of making the Opening Day roster.
Shortly after receiving the good news from Snitker, Baldwin shared the moment with his mother, Bridgette, a schoolteacher in Wisconsin, whom he texted to ensure she had time to talk. Baldwin was thrilled to inform her just before the big day, coinciding perfectly with her spring break plans.
