As the Atlanta Braves split their weekend series with the Boston Red Sox, Drake Baldwin kept producing, and his numbers are now matching the promise Chipper Jones flagged before the 2026 season.
Saturday at Truist Park, the stakes were simple: the Atlanta Braves were in the second game of their series with the Boston Red Sox after a Friday win. Saturday, though, Atlanta’s edge didn’t hold—Boston won 3-2.
Even in the loss, Drake Baldwin delivered again. He finished 2-3 with one home run, two RBI’s, and one walk.
The storyline around Baldwin didn’t start with this weekend’s at-bats.. Before the 2026 season. Braves Hall of Famer and legend Chipper Jones spoke about the catcher in an interview with 680 The Fan. saying: “I think he’s gonna come in and make the statement this year… He’s shown in Spring Training that he’s not far from becoming the best catcher in baseball… He’s ready to take the next step.”
So far, Baldwin’s season is putting real weight behind that language. He is batting .304 with 56 hits, 13 home runs, 36 RBI’s, 39 runs and one stolen base in 46 games. The 25-year-old is also already coming off a season in which he won the National League Rookie of The Year Award.
The Braves’ start has made Baldwin’s output feel even louder. Atlanta is at the top of the National League East with a 31-15 record in 46 games. After Sunday’s series finale with the Red Sox, the team is set to head to Miami to face the Marlins on Monday.
Social media has been keeping up with the pace. too. highlighting how Baldwin’s power shows up in the moments that matter.. Mark Bowman wrote: “I don’t want to sound repetitive. but Drake Baldwin has homered against a Red Sox lefty in the first inning.. Seven of his 13 HRs have come against lefties.” Reggie Chatman Jr.. posted: “Drake Baldwin might be the best on Earth.” @CJNitkowski added: “With that HR in his 651st career PA Drake Baldwin ties David Justice for most left on left HRs in their first 651 PAs as a Brave.. (I searched this for 650 PA and then he went and homered in his first AB).” Grant McAuley tweeted: “#Braves Drake Baldwin in 2026: Leads all MLB catchers with 13 HR.. Leads MLB with 8 first inning HR.. Perhaps most impressive, he also leads all LHH with 7 HR vs.. LHP.”
There’s a clear through-line between what Jones predicted and what the Braves are seeing now: Jones pointed to a year where Baldwin would “make the statement. ” and Baldwin’s current line—.304 with 13 home runs and 36 RBI’s in 46 games—sits inside a season where Atlanta is already leading the National League East at 31-15.
For the Braves, the next chapter begins quickly. With the weekend’s second game ending 3-2 against them and Baldwin continuing to produce, the team’s focus turns to what comes after the Red Sox—Miami, then the Marlins on Monday.
Atlanta Braves Drake Baldwin Chipper Jones Boston Red Sox Truist Park 2026 season National League East