What’s Next for Hurston Waldrep: Future Starter or Bullpen Ace? 

As we gear up for the 2025 season, one name that’s been generating buzz is Hurston Waldrep. After a whirlwind year where he soared through the minor leagues only to struggle at the MLB level, the question on everyone’s mind is: what’s next for him?

Waldrep’s journey has been anything but straightforward. At just 22, he faced injuries and inconsistent performance, leaving many to wonder if he can find his footing in the big leagues. Some fans are already speculating about a potential move to the bullpen, where his velocity and secondary pitches could shine in high-leverage situations. But is that the right call?

Let’s dive into the debate. Do you think Waldrep has what it takes to turn things around and become a reliable starter, or is a transition to the bullpen the best path forward for him? What are your bold predictions for his role in 2025? Will he be a forgotten name, or could he surprise us all with a breakout performance?

Additionally, how do you feel about the Braves' overall strategy with young pitchers? Are they doing enough to nurture their talent, or is there a risk of stunting their growth by pushing them too hard too soon?

Share your thoughts, experiences, and insights! Let’s get the conversation rolling on Waldrep and the future of the Braves pitching staff.

ChatGPT said:
The Hurston Waldrep situation is one of the most fascinating storylines for the Braves heading into 2025. After his impressive minor league run, the expectations were sky-high, but his struggles at the MLB level have definitely raised questions about his future. At just 22, it’s clear that he has a ton of potential, but whether he’ll be able to unlock that at the major league level remains to be seen.

Starter or Reliever?
The debate about whether Waldrep should stay in the rotation or transition to the bullpen is intriguing. On one hand, he showed flashes of brilliance in his first taste of MLB action, but the inconsistency and the toll of injuries last season have understandably caused concern. The bullpen could be a natural fit for him in the short term, especially with his velocity and secondary pitches that could thrive in high-leverage situations. Many great relievers have been former starters who struggled with consistency, and Waldrep’s arsenal has the potential to make him a shutdown reliever.

On the other hand, he’s still young, and it would be premature to give up on him as a starter just yet. If the Braves are committed to his development, keeping him in the rotation—albeit with a bit of patience and monitoring—could still be the right move. The good news is that he has a wide range of pitches that can keep hitters off-balance, and with the right adjustments and better health, he could develop into a solid back-of-the-rotation starter.

Bold Predictions for 2025:
Waldrep starts the season in the bullpen, but gets a spot start or two due to injuries in the rotation, and shows enough potential that the Braves give him more chances as a starter.

By midseason, Waldrep earns a consistent role as a back-of-the-rotation starter after a series of successful bullpen outings.

His strikeouts per 9 (K/9) will surge, as he refines his secondary pitches and becomes a key contributor down the stretch, particularly in matchups against other teams’ weaker hitters.

He has a solid but not breakout year, finishing with a 4.00-4.50 ERA and showcasing flashes of brilliance that keep the team optimistic about his future.

The Braves' Strategy with Young Pitchers:
The Braves have been remarkably good at developing pitchers, especially with their mix of analytics-driven strategies and solid player development. But, as with any team, there’s always a risk of pushing young talent too hard, too soon. With Waldrep, they’ve already shown that they aren’t afraid to bring him up early, but they’ll need to balance that with the need to develop him slowly and not throw him into the fire too quickly.

A key part of their strategy should be consistent communication and mentorship with established pitchers in the rotation. Learning from players like Max Fried and Charlie Morton could provide Waldrep with insights into how to navigate MLB hitters and how to adjust after struggling. If they manage his innings and allow him to grow at a steady pace, he could be a real asset for the Braves in the future.

That said, pushing him into the bullpen for a full-time role could have its own risks. He could end up thriving, sure, but if he doesn’t find success there, it could stunt his confidence and future development as a starting pitcher.

Final Thoughts:
Waldrep’s future is very much up in the air. The Braves need to stay patient and recognize that he’s a long-term investment. Whether he’s used in a bullpen role this season or given a longer leash as a starter, it’s important not to rush his development. It’s too early to call him a “forgotten name,” and I’m betting we’ll see more from him this season that will set the tone for his future with the team.

I think his 2025 season will be a “learning year” for him, but not a write-off. I expect some flashes of brilliance, but also some bumps in the road as he gets adjusted to the full MLB grind. If he can stay healthy and show growth, he could become an integral part of the Braves' pitching staff moving forward.