Atlanta Braves catcher prospect Drake Baldwin continues his dominant run in the Arizona Fall League. Heading into Tuesday, the team’s No. 5 prospect is slashing .362/.434/.489 with three extra-base hits and eight RBIs in 11 games.

What is equally impressive has been his plate discipline. Baldwin has struck out just eight times so far in 52 plate appearances. That’s a 15% elimination rate.

In an era where hitters start strikes in nearly a quarter of at-bats, that stat becomes even more valuable. The more a hitter can put the ball in play, the more damage he is able to do. It also has pop, so it doesn’t come at the expense of any power.

He only continued to make his case for the Braves to seek his services next season. He is already considered to be a phone call away since his major league debut by Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos, and these numbers should only reinforce that position.

In 72 Triple-A games in 2024, Baldwin batted .298 with an .891 OPS, 12 home runs and 55 RBI. His on-base percentage was .407. He has shown solid plate discipline with a 16.2% strikeout rate. He had nearly as many walks (52) as strikeouts (54).

This performance earned him the honor of being named the Braves Minor League Player of the Year by Baseball America. He was the team’s representative in the 2024 All-Star The game of the future in July when he was still in Double-A Mississippi.

With Sean Murphy and Travis d’Arnaud in the platoon for the Braves, he wouldn’t see much time outside of a long-term injury. However, a third catcher will be needed at some point during a 162-game season, and Baldwin is bound to get that call.

Unlike most 2024 draftees, this one will come with a level of hype from those waiting to see what this young talent can contribute to the big league club.