"Waldrep got a bonus of just under $3 million, pitched at four different levels post-draft, and then split time in 2024 between Double-A and Triple-A, where he had an easy time in the former and much more of a mixed bag in the latter. That year also featured a disastrous two-start stint in the majors. In 2025, Waldrep made 19 starts in Triple-A before his promotion to the majors."
"The expectations for Waldrep had fallen substantially since he was drafted and had a strong start to his minor league career. He got absolutely lit up in a brief MLB cameo in 2024 and looked to have persistent issues with his fastball shape, command, and really any pitch that wasn't his splitter. Having one truly major league quality pitch with poor command is a rough spot to be in."
Hurston Waldrep was drafted out of the University of Florida in the 2023 MLB Draft with the 24th overall pick and received a signing bonus just under $3 million. He pitched at four different levels after the draft and split 2024 between Double-A and Triple-A, dominating at Double-A but struggling more in Triple-A and posting a disastrous two-start major-league stint. Expectations for Waldrep fell as questions formed about his fastball shape, overall command, and reliance on a splitter as his only true big-league pitch. Projections placed him in a fourth/fifth starter tier. In 2025 he made 19 Triple-A starts before earning a major-league promotion and produced a late-season breakout over the final two months.
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