Drake Baldwin is the only MLB player to do this thus far through 2026 season

Drake Baldwin is the only MLB player to do this thus far through 2026 season originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Atlanta Braves catcher Drake Baldwin is having an excellent start to his sophomore season after his standout rookie campaign.

With a two-hit and two-RBI performance on Monday against the Washington Nationals, Baldwin became the first player this season to have 30-plus hits and 20-plus RBI.

The catcher also has an elite batting average of .343, paired with five home runs, quickly establishing himself as one of the next biggest stars.

Not only has Baldwin enjoyed individual success, but the team itself is currently one of the best in MLB with a 16-7 record and remains the lone team without a series loss.

With Baldwin's early success, he is on pace to eclipse his 111 hits and 80 RBI from last season.

More: Braves' best newcomer is $1.25M slugger after .962 OPS start to 2026

The catcher has adjusted to the Major Leagues and has become a quality starter in the batting lineup for a team with a high ceiling this season.

Pair that with other great hitters in the lineup, and Atlanta could find itself competing for another World Series down the line in October.

Before making his debut with the Braves in January 2025, Baldwin was assigned to the team's lower-A minor league team, the Augusta GreenJackets, from the FCL Braves.

Fast forward three seasons later, and a couple more call-ups, Baldwin burst onto the scene last season in a down year for Atlanta and won the 2025 NL Rookie of the Year award.