The buzz surrounding Hurston Waldrep is entirely justified. The hard-throwing right-hander, a 2023 first-round pick, successfully forced his way into the Atlanta Braves’ rotation late in the 2025 season and delivered results that have shifted the calculus for the 2026 starting staff.
Waldrep, who made his MLB debut in 2024, was optioned to Triple-A to start 2025, but his performance upon his eventual call-up late in the year has made him a true contender for a permanent spot, creating a “good kind of uncomfortable” competition for the organization.
The 2025 Performance: Elite Rookie Status
After struggling briefly in his 2024 debut, Waldrep returned to the majors in 2025 and looked like a completely different pitcher.
| Stat | 2025 MLB (10 G, 9 GS) | Notes |
| Record | 6 – 1 | Excellent win rate (.857) |
| ERA | 2.88 | Elite mark for a rookie starter. |
| IP | 56.1 | Exceeded rookie limits for 2026. |
| Strikeouts (K/9) | 55 (8.8 K/9) | High strikeout potential. |
| WHIP | 1.19 | Very effective at limiting traffic. |
The Arsenal: Waldrep’s success is rooted in his “unhittable splitter,” which generates a miss rate north of 60%, complemented by a cutter, sinker, and a plus slider. His pitch mix and refined command are what truly separate him from other prospects.
The Risky Choice: Patience vs. October Dreams
The “risky choice” facing the Braves this offseason revolves around their decision on two key assets: their bankroll and Waldrep’s valuable, cost-controlled service time.
The Depth Chart Headache
The 2026 projected rotation includes a mix of proven vets and high-ceiling, cost-controlled arms:
- Spencer Strider (Ace)
- Chris Sale (Veteran Left-Hander)
- Max Fried (If re-signed, or a high-end replacement)
- Bryce Elder (Veteran Option)
- Hurston Waldrep (Rookie Sensation)
- Spencer Schwellenbach (High-Upside Prospect)
With Fried potentially leaving via free agency, Waldrep is currently the de facto fifth starter. However, the Braves must decide if they are willing to burn his limited service time immediately or hold him back:
- Patience (Holding Back): The Braves could use minor league options to keep Waldrep in Triple-A for a few weeks to begin 2026, preserving his service time and gaining an extra year of team control (pushing his Free Agency from 2032 to 2033).
- October Dreams (Starting Him): Given his 2.88 ERA in 2025, keeping a talent like that in the minors when the team is clearly trying to win now seems counter-productive to the goal of securing home-field advantage for the playoffs. His performance demands a rotation spot.
The expectation is that Waldrep’s strong finish to 2025 has forced the Braves’ hand, and he is a near-lock to be in the starting rotation for the Opening Day roster in 2026, despite any financial incentives to manipulate his service time.
