New MLB Rumors on Drake Baldwin, Sal Stewart's Potential Braves, Reds Contract Extensions

Despite red-hot starts to the 2026 MLB season by Atlanta Braves catcher Drake Baldwin and Cincinnati Reds first baseman Sal Stewart, neither of them are reportedly close to signing a long-term contract.

According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Braves "have yet to seriously engage" with Baldwin on a new deal, primarily due to the concerns that come along with paying big money to a catcher, which is a position that comes with injury and longevity risks.

As for Stewart, Rosenthal added that he and the Reds have gotten "nowhere" with regard to a new contract.

Baldwin, 25, is in the midst of his second MLB season, and he is quickly establishing himself as one of the best backstops in baseball.

Through 36 games, Baldwin is slashing .313/.392/.531 with nine home runs and 30 RBI. Among MLB catchers, he is second in batting average, tied for second in home runs and first in RBI.

Baldwin isn't a flash in the pan either, as he burst onto the scene last season by slashing .274/.341/.469 with 19 home runs and 80 RBI en route to being named National League Rookie of the Year.

The 22-year-old Stewart appeared in just 18 games last season and made an immediate splash, delivering five home runs and eight RBI in limited at-bats.

Any questions about beginner's luck have quickly been answered so far this season, as Stewart is slashing .252/.338/.504 with nine home runs, 29 RBI and seven stolen bases.

Since Stewart maintained his rookie eligibility, he is the early 2026 NL ROY favorite, and he has a strong chance to be an All-Star as well if he maintains his current pace.

While locking both Baldwin and Stewart into long-term deals now before they potentially get even more expensive down the line could make sense for the Braves and Reds, they are under no immediate pressure to do so.

Both players are under team control through 2031, and while they will start to get expensive once arbitration kicks in if they remain on their current paths, the Braves and Reds have plenty of time to work something out before then.