The Atlanta Braves have been on a tear this season, establishing themselves as the team to beat in Major League Baseball. While their rotation has exceeded expectations, a major spark behind their early success has been the bat of catcher Drake Baldwin.

Baldwin, the reigning 2025 Rookie of the Year, is picking up right where he left off. At just 25 years old, he's slashing an impressive .313 with nine home runs, 46 hits, and 33 runs scored—both of which lead the majors—along with a .922 OPS in 36 games. His 1.8 bWAR already has fans dreaming of MVP conversations.

Given his production, you'd think a long-term contract extension would be a no-brainer for the Braves, a franchise known for locking up young stars early. Think Ronald Acuña Jr., Ozzie Albies, and Michael Harris—all signed to team-friendly deals before hitting their prime.

But according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, Baldwin got some bad news on that front. The Braves have yet to seriously engage him in extension discussions, per sources briefed on the matter. For a team that usually acts fast to secure its core, this silence is notable.

Atlanta has control over Baldwin through the 2030 season, so there's still time to work out a deal. But if the Braves continue to drag their feet, they risk watching their star catcher walk and sign a massive contract elsewhere when he hits free agency. For now, Baldwin will just have to keep raking—and waiting.