Braves Rookie of the Year Baldwin Poised for Massive Extension

Braves GM Anthopoulos expected to lock up young catcher with 8-year, $80M deal

Jan. 27, 2026 at 3:31pm

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The Atlanta Braves are expected to sign 2026 NL Rookie of the Year Drake Baldwin to a massive 8-year, $80 million contract extension, locking up the young catcher long-term. Baldwin emerged as a key contributor last season, likely pushing current Braves catcher Sean Murphy into a backup role. The Braves are eager to keep Baldwin, a left-handed hitting catcher with middle-of-the-order potential, as part of their long-term plans.

Why it matters

Extending Baldwin aligns with Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos' philosophy of securing young talent before they hit free agency. With Murphy struggling to live up to expectations, Baldwin's breakout rookie campaign has made him an integral part of the Braves' future.

The details

Last season, Drake Baldwin was named the 2026 NL Rookie of the Year after a standout debut campaign with the Braves. His left-handed bat and middle-of-the-order potential make him a valuable asset, especially with current Braves catcher Sean Murphy dealing with injury issues and failing to live up to expectations. The Braves are now expected to sign Baldwin to an 8-year, $80 million contract extension, locking him up long-term and aligning with Anthopoulos' strategy of securing young talent before they reach free agency.

  • Drake Baldwin was named the 2026 NL Rookie of the Year.

The players

Drake Baldwin

The 2026 NL Rookie of the Year, a left-handed hitting catcher with middle-of-the-order potential who emerged as a key contributor for the Braves last season.

Sean Murphy

The Braves' current catcher who has struggled to live up to expectations and is dealing with a right hip injury that will require surgery.

Alex Anthopoulos

The Braves' general manager who is known for his strategy of securing young talent before they reach free agency.

Walt Weiss

The Braves' new manager who may not have the same patience with underperforming players as the previous manager.

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What they’re saying

“Catcher is also a volatile and grueling position, which should make Baldwin amenable to forfeiting at least a couple of free agency years in order to start getting paid right away. Atlanta should jump at the chance to hand him an extension despite already having another backstop under a long-term deal in Sean Murphy; lefty-hitting catchers with middle-of-the-order potential simply don't come around very often.”

— Chris Landers, FanSided writer

What’s next

The Braves are expected to finalize the 8-year, $80 million extension with Drake Baldwin in the coming weeks, locking up the young catcher long-term.

The takeaway

The Braves' decision to extend Baldwin aligns with their GM's philosophy of securing young talent before they reach free agency. With Murphy struggling, Baldwin's breakout rookie campaign has made him an integral part of the Braves' future, and the team is eager to keep him in Atlanta for the long haul.