The Atlanta Braves enter 2026 with plenty to prove after a season that did not meet the organization’s standards. Injuries and stretches of inconsistency kept Atlanta from fully capitalizing on its talent in 2025, but the foundation of a rebound remains firmly in place.

While much of the focus has centered on pitching health and lineup construction, one position quietly stands out as a major strength heading into the new year.

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Catcher has become a pillar for the Braves, both in the present and the future. Atlanta is positioned uniquely at the position, blending a rising star with an established veteran who has already proven he can anchor a contending team. That combination recently received national recognition.

MLB Network announced its Top 10 Catchers Right Now list earlier this week, and two Braves made the cut. Sean Murphy checked in at No. 8, while Drake Baldwin landed at No. 4, validating Atlanta’s depth and pushing the headline into focus with two of the league’s top options at the same position.

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Baldwin’s rise has been one of the biggest stories in baseball over the past year. After winning National League Rookie of the Year in 2025, he enters 2026 widely viewed as the Braves’ catcher of the future and the expected Opening Day starter.

Baldwin appeared in 124 games last season, hitting .274 with a .341 on‑base percentage and an .810 OPS. He added 19 home runs and 80 RBIs, providing both middle‑of‑the‑order production and strong defensive metrics behind the plate.

With Baldwin ascending, Murphy’s role has shifted, but his value has not diminished. Murphy continues to recover from injury, and the Braves are expected to manage his workload early in the season.

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Even so, he remains a reliable contributor on both sides of the ball. In 2025, Murphy played in 94 games and posted a .199 batting average with a .300 on‑base percentage and a .709 OPS, while finishing with 16 home runs and 45 RBIs.

Together, Baldwin and Murphy form one of the most dangerous catcher duos in the league. Few teams can match Atlanta’s ability to get above average offense and defense from the position regardless of who is in the lineup on a given night. The pairing also gives the Braves flexibility as they navigate health, rest and matchups throughout the season.

As the Braves look to bounce back in 2026, having elite production at catcher provides a strong foundation. With Baldwin emerging as a franchise star and Murphy still offering dependable veteran value, Atlanta’s catching situation could play a key role in a return to contention.