for the 2–2 draw with PFC Montana. 2016-17 Baltanov became the new captain of the team after the departure of Yordan Hristov. During the preseason friendly games Baltanov scored against FC Eurocollege. Baltanov missed all games during the autumn in 2016 due to a severe injury. He returned on 18 February for the first game in 2017 when Botev Plovdiv achieved 0–1 away victory over Lokomotiv Gorna Oryahovitsa. In the next round, on 24 February, Baltanov missed a penalty during the 0–2 home defeat from FC Dunav. Baltanov was devastated and apologized to the fans. Soon after that Baltanov showed his excellent skills and proved that he has quickly regained back his good shape following the injury, during the 1–1 away draw with Cherno More Varna. He scored a goal and was selected for the man of the match. On 4 April, Botev Plovdiv defeated PFC Pirin Blagoevgrad and proceed to the semi-finals of the Bulgarian Cup thanks to the goal of Baltanov. Three days later, on 7 April, he scored again and provided three assists during the 7–1 win over PFC Montana. On 24 May Botev Plovdiv achieved a tremendous success by winning with 2–1 against Ludogorets Razgrad and Baltanov, as the captain of the team, lifted the Bulgarian Cup for the third time in the history of the club. 2017-18 On 6 July 2017 Baltanov provided an assist to Felipe Brisola for the only goal during the 1–0 win over Partizani Tirana in the 1st qualifying round of UEFA Europa League. After that he missed a couple of games due to an injuring. On 20 July Baltanov scored a goal and provided an assist during the 4–0 win over Beitar Jerusalem in the 2nd qualifying round of UEFA Europa League. Three days later, on 23 July, Baltanov came on as a substitute and scored a goal to secure the 2–3 win of Botev Plovdiv over Slavia Sofia. On 10 September, Baltanov scored a beautiful goal for the spectacular 2–1 win over PFC Levski Sofia. A few days later, on 18 September, Baltanov scored a penalty at the beginning of the away game against Ludogorets Razgrad which his team lost with 1–2. The exceptional form of Baltanov continued as he came on as a substitute on 21 September and scored 2 goals for the 1–3 away win in the 1/16 final of the Bulgarian Cup against Lokomotiv Gorna Oryahovitsa.