Roldani Baldwin

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Boston Red Sox #15 prospect in 2018
  After he shuttled between catcher and third base in his early pro career, Baldwin flourished in his first everyday opportunity as a catcher in 2017. He performed solidly on offense with 14 home runs in 95 games, and scouts see a line-drive hitter who combines a slightly lofted bat path with a strong, powerful frame. Baldwin does need to work to increase his 4.8 percent walk rate, though. Although he threw out 33 percent (41 of 124) of runners trying to steal, evaluators see a catcher with suspect footwork and inconsistent throws. Sometimes that footwork would lead to throws in the dirt before reaching the bag, while others would sail into center field. He needs work as a receiver, too. He stabs at balls when trying to frame and lets them travel too deep in the zone. Scouts also noticed that he had particular trouble handling sinkers to his gloveside. Baldwin's future may be as a catcher/corner infielder, but given the lack of quality catching prospects in the minors, it would be smart for the Red Sox to continue giving him chances to stay behind the plate. Baldwin will likely head to high Class A Salem in 2018.
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  Ranked Boston Red Sox #29 prospect in 2017
  Baldwin hasn't found a positional home yet while shuttling between catcher and third base--positions where he did not distinguish himself in 2016--but his bat will keep him progressing up the ladder. He struggled at the outset of 2016 at low Class A Greenville, hitting .235/.275/.382, but when he moved back to the New York-Penn League, he showed the ability to make regular loud contact, pounding the ball at a .305/.358/.442 clip with 10 extra-base hits in 25 games. Even if Baldwin ends up being a below-average defender at catcher, third, and first, that kind of corner versatility in combination with the ability to hit for average with some pop gives him a chance emerge as a valuable reserve, particularly given what he's shown against lefties (.311/.333/.475 in 2016 in Lowell and Greenville). The coming season will be a significant one for Baldwin to prove that he's ready to keep moving up the ladder in full-season ball, but if he cements the impressions that his bat has produced with short-season affiliates, his appeal will grow.