Drake Baldwin winning the NL Rookie of the Year Award grants the Atlanta Braves an extra first-round pick in the 2026 MLB Draft, estimated around pick 26-30, boosting their bonus pool and draft flexibility. The article discusses the implications of the Prospect Promotion Incentive rule and potential players the Braves might target with their new pick.
Jackson Merrill, a standout rookie for the San Diego Padres, was named runner-up for the National League Rookie of the Year, missing out on earning the Padres an additional 2025 MLB Draft pick through the Prospect Promotion Incentive (PPI). Despite leading all major-league rookies in several key statistics, Merrill lost to Paul Skenes of the Pittsburgh Pirates. The PPI aims to reward teams for promoting top prospects early, but Merrill's impressive season highlights potential areas for reconsideration of the program's parameters.
Michael Busch tied the Chicago Cubs' record for home runs in five consecutive games and is now eligible for the Prospect Promotion Incentive, potentially earning the Cubs a bonus draft pick if he wins Rookie of the Year or finishes top-3 in MVP or Cy Young voting. Despite the crowded field in the National League, Busch's early-season performance makes him a strong contender, and the Cubs are excited about the possibility of reaping the rewards.
The Baltimore Orioles are calling up top prospect Jackson Holliday, the No. 1 prospect in baseball, after his impressive start at Triple-A this season. By promoting him early, the Orioles can potentially gain an extra first-round draft pick through the Prospect Promotion Incentive. Holliday, the son of seven-time All-Star Matt Holliday, is expected to join a roster filled with young talent and is set to play second base alongside 22-year-old Gunnar Henderson at shortstop. This move comes after the Orioles' acquisition of 2021 National League Cy Young winner Corbin Burnes, positioning them as AL East favorites for the 2024 season.