Hurston Waldrep – Atlanta Braves Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

Hurston Waldrep has shot up as one of baseball’s most intriguing young pitchers since his MLB debut on June 9, 2024, with the Atlanta Braves.

Born on March 1, 2002, in Cairo, Georgia, Waldrep made it to the majors quickly after the Braves picked him 24th overall in the first round of the 2023 MLB Draft.

He signed with the Braves for an underslot deal worth $2,997,500, then moved fast through Atlanta’s farm system, showing off the premium stuff that made him a top prospect.

Before he turned pro, Waldrep spent two years at Southern Mississippi and then transferred to Florida for his junior season.

His college career had flashes of brilliance, mixed with moments that showed he still had plenty to learn—a blend that seemed to intrigue the Braves’ scouts.

After the draft, he started out with the Augusta GreenJackets and kept climbing the organizational ladder until he earned his shot with Atlanta.

Waldrep now stands as part of the Braves’ push to develop homegrown pitching talent.

Baseball analysts have tracked his progress closely, noting his real chance to become a fixture in Atlanta’s rotation for years.

At just 23 years old in 2025, Waldrep’s career and earning potential are still on the rise as he settles into the big leagues.

Early Life and Amateur Career

Hurston Waldrep’s journey to pro baseball started with strong family support and grew through impressive performances in both high school and college.

He built his foundation in baseball with years of dedicated training and plenty of competition during his early years.

Background and Family

Hurston Wayne Waldrep was born on March 1, 2002, in the United States.

He grew up in a supportive environment, developing a passion for baseball early on.

While not much about his family shows up in public records, their backing played a big part in his growth as an athlete.

He spent countless hours as a kid working on his pitching on local fields.

Standing at 6’2″ and weighing 210 pounds, Waldrep’s size helped him evolve into a power pitcher as he matured.

High School Achievements

Waldrep started turning heads as a promising baseball talent during his high school years.

He showed off his right-handed pitching skills, with impressive velocity and movement on his fastball.

College recruiters noticed his performances, especially in tournaments and championship games.

Waldrep’s high school stats and accolades pointed to his potential, and he regularly delivered strong outings against tough opponents.

He kept his composure on the mound, even when the pressure was on—a trait that really started to define him.

College Baseball at Florida

Waldrep kicked off his college career at Southern Mississippi, then transferred to Florida for his junior year.

The move to Florida, a bigger stage, gave him more visibility among MLB scouts.

At Florida, he kept working on his pitching arsenal, especially his fastball, which would later become his calling card.

Playing in the tough Southeastern Conference (SEC) helped him cement his status as a top pitching prospect for the draft.

His college stats showed steady improvement, with better strikeout numbers and more command.

That progress at Florida eventually led the Atlanta Braves to select him, setting the stage for his pro career.

Professional Baseball Journey

Hurston Waldrep’s climb to the majors highlights his rapid rise as a standout pitching prospect for the Atlanta Braves.

He went from draft day to becoming an important part of the team’s pitching staff in 2025.

MLB Draft and Signing

The Atlanta Braves picked Hurston Waldrep with the 24th overall selection in the first round of the MLB Draft.

Some mock drafts had him going higher, but the Braves grabbed him when he was still available and signed him to a $2,997,500 deal, a bit below the slot value for that pick.

Waldrep impressed scouts at Florida with his high-velocity fastball and nasty splitter.

The Braves’ front office saw him as someone who could rise quickly through their farm system, thanks to his advanced pitch mix and competitive edge.

The signing put real faith in Waldrep as a future rotation piece, and plenty of analysts praised the Braves for landing a pitcher with both a high floor and a high ceiling.

Minor League Climb

Waldrep moved through the Braves’ minor league system at an impressive pace.

He started out in High-A, where he quickly showed why people called him a polished college arm.

He posted strong strikeout numbers and kept his command in check.

By mid-2024, he had reached Triple-A Gwinnett and kept sharpening his pitch mix.

He focused on improving command of his splitter, developing a more consistent breaking ball, and building stamina for a full season.

The Braves’ player development staff worked closely with him to keep his electric stuff while tweaking his mechanics to lower his injury risk.

He rose up the MLB prospect radar, with evaluators noting he might reach the majors sooner than expected.

Major League Debut and 2025 Season

Waldrep made his MLB debut in 2024 with the Atlanta Braves, putting on display the potential that made him a first-round pick.

His first few outings showed off his electric arsenal, but also the learning curve that comes with facing big league hitters.

Heading into the 2025 season, Waldrep has carved out a role in the Braves’ pitching plans.

With veterans like Charlie Morton and Chris Sale leading the way, and Spencer Strider at the top of the rotation, Waldrep has found his spot alongside fellow young arm AJ Smith-Shawver.

Through early May 2025, Waldrep has improved his pitch efficiency, handled high-leverage situations better, and found more consistency between starts.

The Braves see him as a key piece for their future rotation, possibly joining Strider and Smith-Shawver in a tough starting group for years.

His development remains a top priority as the team battles in a competitive NL East.

Contract Details and Trades

Hurston Waldrep’s pro baseball journey started with a significant contract with the Atlanta Braves, followed by some key transactions that have shaped his early career.

Initial Signing Bonus and Terms

Waldrep signed with the Atlanta Braves on July 13, 2022, locking in an underslot deal worth $2,997,500.

The Braves picked him in the MLB draft, and his first agreement was a 1-year contract with the team.

Unlike some other high-profile draft picks, Waldrep’s deal didn’t have extra performance incentives beyond the signing bonus.

The Braves managed to sign him for less than the full slot value, which gave them some extra wiggle room with other draft picks.

After signing, Waldrep headed to the minor leagues to start his pro development.

Notable Trades and Transactions

Waldrep’s career took a big step on June 9, 2024, when the Atlanta Braves activated him from Triple-A Gwinnett Stripers.

This move brought him up to the major league roster.

Before that promotion, the Braves selected his contract from Gwinnett, officially adding him to their 40-man roster.

That move protected Waldrep from being claimed in the Rule 5 Draft.

He started out with the Augusta GreenJackets after signing, and his performance at several minor league levels showed his value and justified the contract.

Net Worth and Financial Overview

Hurston Waldrep’s financial picture reflects his early MLB career, with most of his value tied to his contract and what he could earn in the future as a rising Braves pitcher.

Estimated Net Worth

As a new pro, Waldrep’s net worth comes mainly from his signing bonus of $2,997,500 when he joined the Braves in July 2023.

That underslot deal is the core of his current financial profile.

His net worth sits somewhere between $2-3 million, mostly from the signing bonus and his first MLB contract.

As a rookie, his salary follows the typical MLB minimum for first-year players, which is pretty modest compared to the stars.

His quick rise from the minors to the majors sets him up for future financial growth through bonuses and new deals down the line.

Endorsements and Sponsorships

Waldrep’s endorsements are still in the early stages, which is pretty normal for new MLB players.

As a Thomasville native drafted by the Braves, he has some regional marketing appeal that could lead to local deals in Georgia.

Right now, equipment sponsorships are the most likely source of endorsement money for him, with baseball gear companies often signing young pitchers to promote their products.

His marketability comes from his regional ties in the Southeast, his first-round draft status, and his potential to break out as a star pitcher.

As Waldrep settles in with the Atlanta Braves, his endorsement chances should grow along with his on-field success and visibility.

Challenges, Injuries, and Personal Life

Hurston Waldrep has faced a few bumps in his pro baseball journey, but he’s managed to keep things balanced off the field.

His resilience through injury setbacks and focus on personal growth have shaped his early years with the Braves.

Injury History and Recovery

Waldrep hit a tough patch in 2024 when he developed right elbow inflammation and landed on the 15-day injured list.

This setback came at a pretty important time for his development with Atlanta.

The Braves took a cautious approach, putting his long-term health ahead of immediate results.

Unlike a lot of young pitchers, Waldrep has avoided Tommy John surgery so far.

His recovery focused on strengthening exercises and careful attention to his throwing mechanics.

The Braves’ medical staff set up a structured return-to-throw program, and Waldrep returned to active status by June 9, 2024, after a careful rehab period.

Personal Interests and Community Work

Waldrep keeps his personal life mostly under wraps when he’s not on the baseball field. He’s mentioned wanting to start a foundation someday to help youth baseball in underserved areas—his own path to the majors kind of lit that spark.

During the offseason, he likes to get outside, especially to fish. Growing up in the South, he picked up that hobby early on, and honestly, it’s his way to clear his head between seasons.

His time playing at both Southern Mississippi and Florida really shaped how he sees community involvement. You’ll often find him at team-organized events, usually helping out at youth baseball clinics or making hospital visits.

Teammates say Waldrep brings a thoughtful and dedicated vibe to the clubhouse. He tends to spend his downtime digging into game footage or working on his pitching mechanics—always looking for ways to get better.