His transformation is attributed to a mechanical adjustment that involved incorporating a sinker into his pitch repertoire, a suggestion offered by Braves catcher Sean Murphy. This, combined with refined mechanics, has turned Waldrep into one of the most promising breakout pitchers of the year.
Hurston Waldrep: Atlanta’s Rising Star on the Mound
Collegiate Prowess and Rapid Ascent to the Pros
Waldrep’s path to the Braves began with two seasons at Southern Miss before transferring to the University of Florida for his junior year in 2023. At Florida, he solidified his reputation as a power pitcher and was instrumental in the Gators reaching the 2023 College World Series Finals and winning the SEC title.
In his single season with the Gators, Waldrep achieved a 10-3 record with a 4.16 ERA across 101.2 innings, striking out 156 batters, the second-highest total in Florida history. He also holds the Florida program record for career strikeouts per nine innings with a rate of 13.8.
The Braves selected Waldrep 24th overall in the first round of the 2023 MLB Draft, signing him for an under-slot deal just under $3 million. The Braves aggressively promoted him through their farm system, and he reached Triple-A Gwinnett less than three months after being drafted.
In his professional debut season in 2023, he recorded a 1.53 ERA across eight starts and four minor league levels, pitching more innings (29.1) and striking out more batters (41) than any other pitcher in his draft class. Although elbow inflammation caused a setback in 2024, the Braves’ decision to fast-track him through the system appears to be paying dividends in 2025.
A Dominant Second-Half Surge in 2025
Waldrep’s return to the Braves’ major league rotation in Aug. 2025, after spending the early part of the season in the minors, has been nothing short of spectacular. Through his first five MLB appearances, including four starts, he has compiled an impressive record and statistics. Waldrep is 4-0, with a 0.90 ERA and 0.93 WHIP. He also has 24 strikeouts in 30 innings of work.
His current form places him as arguably the top starting pitcher on the Braves roster, a crucial development given the significant injuries to other pitchers in the rotation. His performance in August, has drawn comparisons to other elite pitchers across the league, but let’s pump the brakes on that for now and let the kid gain some experience. Waldrep’s success is a stark contrast to his brief 2024 MLB stint, where he struggled significantly, allowing 13 earned runs over seven innings.
A Deceptive Arsenal and Improved Command
Waldrep’s pitching arsenal is centered around a potent splitter, often referred to as “demonic” by scouts and analysts. This pitch is highly effective, characterized by its deceptive arm action and ability to generate an exceptionally high whiff rate. In both college and the upper minors, this pitch has recorded a whiff rate exceeding 60 percent. The splitter functions as a blend of a split-fingered fastball and a changeup, allowing Waldrep to manipulate spin and create various levels of movement and velocity, often resulting in a diving, tumbling motion.
In addition to his standout splitter, Waldrep features an upper-80s slider that can be a plus offering, along with a curveball that he has historically commanded well. His fastball, while possessing velocity up to 99 mph, sometimes lacked the ideal movement profile and was previously a focus for improvement. His quick delivery and long arm swing, while contributing to his electric stuff, have also been cited as potential contributors to inconsistent command.
However, his success in 2025 suggests that the addition of a sinker and overall refinement of his mechanics are helping him harness his impressive raw talent and locate his pitches more effectively within the zone. The Braves have also won every game that he’s appeared in, which shows just how well he’s performed, considering the tough year Atlanta has had.
Looking Ahead
Waldrep’s rapid ascent and dominant performance in the 2025 season have made him a central figure in the Braves’ pitching staff and a source of considerable optimism for the future. His successful collegiate career, quick progress through the minor league system, and recent major league breakout highlight his potential to be a significant contributor to the Braves for many seasons to come.
While the 2025 season has presented its share of challenges for the Braves as a whole, Waldrep’s emergence as a dominant force offers a promising glimpse into the future of their pitching rotation. His continued development will undoubtedly be a key storyline as the season progresses and into upcoming seasons.
Main Image: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
