Braves Catcher Drake Baldwin Matches Hank Aaron's Early-Season Feat

The young star joins an elite club with his scorching start to the 2026 season.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 8:54pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball player in motion, with the player's form broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of navy blue, red, and white, representing the colors of the Atlanta Braves.A young star's historic start has the Atlanta Braves off and running in the 2026 season.Atlanta Today

Atlanta Braves catcher Drake Baldwin has matched a franchise record held by Hank Aaron, becoming just the second player in Braves history to record at least 10 hits, 3 home runs, and 10 RBIs in the first 7 games of a season. The 24-year-old is off to a blistering start, helping power the Braves to a 5-2 record in the early going.

Why it matters

Baldwin's historic start is a major bright spot for the Braves, who are looking to build on their success from last season and make another deep playoff run. Matching an iconic franchise record held by Hank Aaron, one of the greatest players in MLB history, is an impressive feat that showcases Baldwin's immense talent and potential.

The details

In Thursday's 17-2 rout of the Arizona Diamondbacks, Baldwin went 3-for-5 with a home run and 4 RBIs, bringing his early-season totals to 10 hits, 3 home runs, and 10 RBIs through the Braves' first 7 games. The only other Braves player to accomplish that in the first week of a season was the legendary Hank Aaron back in 1958.

  • The Braves improved to a 5-2 record on the young 2026 season with Thursday's victory.
  • Through the Braves' first 7 games, Baldwin has recorded 10 hits, 3 home runs, and 10 RBIs.

The players

Drake Baldwin

The 24-year-old catcher for the Atlanta Braves, who is off to a historic start to the 2026 MLB season.

Hank Aaron

One of the greatest players in Atlanta Braves (and MLB) history, whose early-season record Baldwin has now matched.

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What they’re saying

“I'm not even able to wrap my head around it.”

— Drake Baldwin, Braves Catcher

What’s next

Baldwin will look to continue his torrid pace as the Braves aim to build on their strong start and make a push for the playoffs.

The takeaway

Drake Baldwin's historic start to the 2026 season has put him in elite company alongside Braves legend Hank Aaron, showcasing the young catcher's immense talent and potential to become a superstar in the league.