The Atlanta Braves have been one of the best teams in Major League Baseball to begin the 2026 season. A significant reason for the team’s surprise start comes down to their pitching staff. Atlanta currently ranks third-best in all of baseball in runs allowed per game (3.58) and team ERA (3.25). Only the free-spending New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers have posted better figures on the campaign.
However, Atlanta’s offense is performing even better at the moment. Braves hitters actually lead MLB in runs scored per game (5.81), hits (343), slugging (.468), and OPS (.808). Superstar first baseman Matt Olson has received much of the attention for leading his team’s offense, and rightly so. After all, the slugger leads the league in several categories, including WAR, home runs, and RBIs.
Nevertheless, sophomore catcher Drake Baldwin has also played a significant part in Atlanta’s impressive firepower. The reigning National League Rookie of the Year is off to an even better start in 2026. For instance, Baldwin’s batting average, on-base percentage, and slugging are all higher during the current campaign than in his freshman season. The 25-year-old catcher also leads the N.L. in hits and runs.
Despite this ongoing success, the Braves are apparently playing the waiting game regarding Baldwin’s contract. According to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, Atlanta has “yet to seriously engage Baldwin in discussions on a [contract] extension.” At the moment, Baldwin is earning just $800K for the 2026 season. He will reach arbitration in 2028 and free agency in 2031.
The Atlanta Braves are Being Patient with Drake Baldwin
GettyDrake Baldwin has quickly become one of the best catchers in baseball.
The news is surely disappointing to Atlanta Braves fans. Although Baldwin will not be a free agent for a few more years, you would like your best players to be happy and under contract for the foreseeable future. This is especially the case with contending teams.
The Braves have proven in recent years to reward top players with big contracts. Ronald Acuna, Austin Riley, Spencer Strider, Michael Harris II, and Olson all received significant extensions. Fellow catcher Sean Murphy has, too. Murphy earned a six-year, $73 million deal in 2023. The deal, however, has not exactly worked out in Atlanta’s favor. The slugger has endured a lengthy injury history in recent years and has only made one appearance in 2026.
As Rosenthal points out, the Murphy situation is likely affecting the Braves’ handling of Baldwin. Due to wear and tear, catchers typically do not receive massive contracts. In fact, only six current MLB players in this position earn more than $10 million per season. Murphy happens to be one of these players.
Atlanta Star Could Eventually Earn Top Catcher Contract
Former Minnesota Twins great Joe Mauer received the largest contract for a catcher by getting an eight-year, $184 million deal in 2010. Despite the injury concerns for catchers, someone will ultimately eclipse this figure in the future. Rosenthal believes that Baldwin has a good chance to be the guy. Whether that is with the Atlanta Braves or not remains to be seen, though.
The Braves recently offloaded catcher Jonah Heim in a deal with the Athletics. Along with Murphy’s injury woes, the move will put more pressure on Baldwin. Heim was previously seen as one of the better catchers in baseball in 2023 before seeing a significant drop in offensive output. The Braves and their fans will hope that Baldwin can avoid a similar situation.
Braves Not Discussing Contract Extension with Star Slugger