Riley Brooks Baldwin is an American professional baseball infielder for the Chicago White Sox of Major League Baseball (MLB). He made his MLB debut in 2024. Baldwin attended Whiteville High School in Whiteville, North Carolina, and played college baseball at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. He was drafted by the Chicago White Sox in 2022 and rose quickly through the minor leagues before reaching the majors.
Riley Brooks Baldwin Bio
Riley Brooks Baldwin was born on August 15, 2000, in Whiteville, North Carolina. He attended Whiteville High School in Whiteville, North Carolina, where he played high school baseball. Baldwin continued his baseball career at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, playing for the UNC Wilmington Seahawks. During his collegiate summers, he played for the Cotuit Kettleers of the Cape Cod Baseball League in 2021 and 2022. After his junior season, he was selected by the San Francisco Giants in the 15th round of the 2021 MLB Draft but did not sign and returned to Wilmington for his senior season. Baldwin was drafted by the Chicago White Sox in the 12th round, with the 371st overall selection, of the 2022 MLB Draft and signed with the organization.
Early Life and Background
Riley Brooks Baldwin grew up in Whiteville, North Carolina, where he developed his passion for baseball at a young age. He attended Whiteville High School and established himself as a talented player during his high school years. His performance at the high school level earned him recognition and paved the way for his collegiate career at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington.
At UNC Wilmington, Baldwin played as an infielder for the Seahawks. He showcased his skills against collegiate competition and built a reputation as a reliable defender and offensive contributor. His collegiate career provided him with the foundation needed to pursue professional baseball.
Path to Professional Baseball
Baldwin spent his summers playing collegiate summer baseball with the Cotuit Kettleers of the Cape Cod Baseball League, one of the premier summer leagues for college players. His performance in Cape Cod helped him develop against high-level competition and increased his visibility among MLB scouts.
After his junior season at UNC Wilmington, Baldwin was selected by the San Francisco Giants in the 15th round of the 2021 MLB Draft. He chose to return to Wilmington for his senior season rather than signing. This decision paid off when he was again selected in the 2022 MLB Draft, this time by the Chicago White Sox in the 12th round with the 371st overall pick. He signed with the White Sox and began his professional career that same year.
Riley Brooks Baldwin Career
Minor League Career (2022–2024)
Baldwin began his professional career in 2022, splitting his first season between the rookie-level Arizona Complex League White Sox and the Single-A Kannapolis Cannon Ballers. He gained valuable experience against professional competition while adjusting to the speed and style of the professional game.
He returned to Single-A Kannapolis and earned a promotion to the High-A Winston-Salem Dash in 2023. Baldwin had a breakout season, slashing .269/.349/.460 with 15 home runs, 58 RBI, and 22 stolen bases across 93 total games. His strong performance put him on track for advancement to the upper levels of the minor leagues.
Chicago White Sox Breakthrough (2024–Present)
Baldwin started the 2024 season with the Double-A Birmingham Barons. In 74 games for Birmingham, he batted .322/.386/.441 with six home runs, 37 RBI, and 16 stolen bases. His consistent production earned him a promotion to the Triple-A Charlotte Knights in July 2024.
On July 19, 2024, Baldwin was promoted to the major leagues for the first time and made his MLB debut that same day. In his first career at-bat, he singled to right field to lead off the third inning against Royals starting pitcher Michael Wacha. He finished the game 1-for-3 with one strikeout in the White Sox 7-1 loss. This marked the culmination of his rapid rise through the minor leagues after being drafted in 2022.
Chicago White Sox Era (2024–Present)
Baldwin has appeared in parts of the 2024 and 2025 seasons with the Chicago White Sox. Through his first two MLB seasons, he has accumulated 13 home runs, 46 RBI, and a .232 batting average across his career totals. His trajectory from undrafted college player to MLB contributor within three years demonstrated his ability to develop and adapt at each level of professional baseball.
Career Statistics and Performance
Baldwin has established himself as a versatile infielder with power potential and basestealing ability. His minor league numbers showed a player capable of impacting the game in multiple facets, including home run power, run production, and speed on the bases. His defensive versatility has allowed him to contribute at multiple infield positions throughout his professional career.
Notable Milestones
His most significant career milestone remains his MLB debut on July 19, 2024. Recording a hit in his first major league at-bat represented the realization of his lifelong dream of reaching the majors. His rapid climb through the minor leagues after being undrafted in 2021 and then selected in 2022 highlighted his exceptional development and readiness for elite competition.
Riley Brooks Baldwin Career Wins
Across his professional career spanning parts of five seasons, Baldwin has accumulated wins at each level of professional baseball. From his early days in rookie ball to his time in the major leagues, he has built a track record of consistent performance and steady improvement.
Major League Highlights
Baldwin made his MLB debut on July 19, 2024, with the Chicago White Sox. His first career hit came in his first at-bat, a single to right field against Michael Wacha of the Kansas City Royals. Through his time with the White Sox, he has contributed to the team’s infield rotation while continuing to develop his game at the highest level of professional baseball.
Minor League Achievements
Prior to his MLB debut, Baldwin posted impressive numbers throughout the minor leagues. His 2023 season with Winston-Salem was particularly notable, as he combined power, speed, and contact hitting across 93 games. His strong minor league performance was instrumental in his rapid advancement to the major leagues.
Riley Brooks Baldwin Family
Family Background and Early Influences
Riley Brooks Baldwin grew up in Whiteville, North Carolina, where his early interest in baseball was fostered by his family environment. His dedication to the sport was evident from a young age, as he pursued baseball throughout his youth and high school years.
Personal Life
Baldwin maintains a strong connection to his North Carolina roots. He graduated from Whiteville High School and later attended the University of North Carolina at Wilmington before beginning his professional baseball career. His journey from a small-town athlete to a major league player reflects his commitment and work ethic.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked Baldwin’s first full major league campaign following his mid-season debut in 2024. He entered spring training with an opportunity to earn a more significant role with the Chicago White Sox after demonstrating his potential during his initial stint in the majors. His development trajectory continued to be a key storyline as he worked to establish himself as a consistent contributor at the highest level.
Baldwin’s experience navigating through the minor leagues in 2022 and 2023 provided him with a foundation of confidence heading into the 2025 season. His ability to perform at each level suggested he had the tools necessary to sustain success in the majors. The White Sox viewed him as part of their long-term infield plans as they continued their rebuilding effort.
His versatility defensively gave the coaching staff flexibility in deploying him across different positions. This adaptability, combined with his offensive skill set, positioned him as a valuable piece for the organization moving forward. The 2025 season represented an important step in his development as he sought to cement his place in the major leagues.