MLB Insider Sheds Light on Potential Cost of Drake Baldwin Contract Extension With Atlanta Braves

The Atlanta Braves struck gold in the 2022 MLB Draft with the selection of catcher Drake Baldwin with the 96th overall pick. As he emerges as an All-Star and one of the new faces of the franchise, a historic contract extension could be next for the reigning NL Rookie of the Year.

Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported that while the Braves haven’t started to “seriously engage” with Baldwin to discuss a possible contract extension, an eventual deal could reset the market at catchers.

• Drake Baldwin stats 2026 (ESPN): 9 home runs, 30 RBI, .313/.392/.532, .922 triple-slash line in 147 at-bats this season

Baldwin, 25, is proving that his breakout season last year was no fluke. Atlanta’s emerging All-Star has raised his walk rate (8.5% to 9.6%) and his isolated power (.195 to .218) thus far. He’s clearly one of the best catchers in baseball, and his offensive production has been critical for a club that has also dealt with early struggles from Austin Riley and Ronald Acuña Jr.

Cal Raleigh is currently the highest-paid catcher in MLB at a $17.5 million average annual value. Notably, Raleigh and Los Angeles Dodgers star Will Smith are the only catchers signed to contracts worth $100 million or more. Realistically, Baldwin would reach that territory if he signed a long-term deal.