Hurston Waldrep Not Guaranteed Opening Day Rotation Spot
Although Atlanta Braves right-handed pitching prospect Hurston Waldrep looked great in 10 outings (nine starts) for the team in 2025, MLB.com's Mark Bowman writes that he's not assured of a starting rotation spot out of spring training. Waldrep will be a rotation option alongside Martin Perez, Bryce Elder, and Joey Wentz. Perez, Elder, Wentz, and Grant Holmes (elbow) are all out of minor-league options, which means that Waldrep could be ticketed to start the 2026 season at Triple-A Gwinnett. Still, Bowman adds that Waldrep could end up being the most valuable of the "fifth-starter" candidates by the end of the season. In 56 1/3 innings, the 23-year-old had a 2.88 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, and 55:22 K:BB while also going 6-1. Chris Sale and Spencer Strider are at the top of Atlanta's rotation, with Spencer Schwellenbach (elbow), Reynaldo Lopez (shoulder), and Holmes all coming off injuries. Although Waldrep had a mediocre 24% strikeout rate with the Braves, he should be a rotation option for the team sooner than later in 2026.
Source: MLB.com - Mark Bowman
Source: MLB.com - Mark Bowman
Read More News
RADIO



