Dylan Widger-USA TODAY Sports

Its time to get excited about this Braves first round draft pick

Originally posted on SportsTalkATL | Last updated 8/28/23

If you’re like me and you love college baseball and the draft, you know the name Hurston Waldrep. If you don’t yet, you should. After being selected by the Braves in the first round of the 2023 MLB Draft, the College World Series standout has been mowing down hitters. Waldrep had no business falling in the draft like he did, and the Braves are reaping the rewards:

Braves 1st Rounder Hurston Waldrep was absolutely filthy yesterday.

4.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R (0 ER), 10 K

12 swinging strikes: 10 splitters, 2 sliders.

: @TheRomeBraves pic.twitter.com/rkBHhIWdEH

— Aram Leighton (@AramLeighton8) August 27, 2023

In a system that badly needs an injection of talent, I have no doubt that the Braves will continue the trend of aggressively promoting their top prospects. We’ve seen it with Spencer Strider, Michael Harris II, Vaughn Grissom, and AJ Smith-Shawver. Waldrep could easily be next if he keeps this up.

Hurston Waldrep (2023): 4 GS, 1.20 ERA, 0.87 WHIP, 15 K/9

As the minor league season comes to an end, we could see Waldrep in AA Mississippi, but there’s a chance the Braves throw the brakes on and start him in Mississippi in 2024. Regardless, one thing’s for sure; this kid has the potential to be special, and with the way the Braves operate, we could see him in Atlanta sooner rather than later.

This article first appeared on SportsTalkATL and was syndicated with permission.

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