The Atlanta Braves struck gold with the selection of catcher Drake Baldwin with the 96th overall pick in the 2022 MLB Draft. 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 although the Braves have not "seriously begun talks" with Baldwin to discuss a potential contract extension, an eventual deal could reset the market for 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 budding All-Star has increased his walk rate (8.5% to 9.6%) and his isolated power (.195 to .218) so far. He's clearly one of the best catchers in baseball, and his offensive production has been vital for a club that has also faced early struggles from Austin Riley and Ronald Acuña Jr.
Cal Raleigh is currently the highest paid catcher in MLB at an average annual value of $17.5 million. Notably, Raleigh and Los Angeles Dodgers star Will Smith is the only catcher to sign a contract worth $100 million or more. Realistically, if Baldwin signs a long-term deal he will reach that area.
There's certainly no reason for Atlanta to rush into negotiations with Murphy. He is also not arbitration-eligible for the first time until after the 2027 MLB season. He still has additional team control remaining, so he will not be eligible for MLB free agency until 2030.
Rosenthal explained why the record for the highest AAV ever for a catcher, $23.1 million, is a figure Baldwin could surpass with his next deal. If that's the case, Atlanta could consider a five-plus-year contract extension totaling around $120 million.
