Braves' $2.9M former first-round pick likely out for season after latest concerning Gwinnett news

For the last couple of seasons, the Atlanta Braves have dealt with significant pitching issues, particularly when it comes to keeping their starting rotation healthy. The 2025 season was a complete blur, largely because the starting staff struggled to stay on the field.

It has been somewhat of the same story this season, although the Braves have been able to overcome some of those issues. The latest injury to impact Atlanta's pitching staff is that of young right-hander Hurston Waldrep.

“The Braves’ rotation concerns grew on Sunday when right arm discomfort forced Hurston Waldrep to exit his start with Triple-A Gwinnett. Braves manager Walt Weiss said before Monday's game vs. the Padres that Waldrep will be further evaluated this week. The 24-year-old hurler underwent arthroscopic surgery in February to remove loose bodies located around his right elbow,” MLB.com’s Mark Bowman wrote.

There has been no definitive answer on whether Waldrep is done for the season. However, on Saturday, Braves Today’s Lindsay Crosby reported that the former first-round pick packed up his Triple-A locker in Gwinnett.

“Hurston Waldrep was at Gwinnett Field today, cleaning out his locker and taking his stuff. Teammates were spotted looking at his elbow during various conversations. Feels like that's a bit of confirmation that he's likely not coming back this year,” Crosby wrote.

While there is no official word yet, Crosby's report makes it reasonable to believe that Waldrep's season could be over. It would be an unfortunate end to a season that began with him recovering from surgery to remove loose bodies from his elbow.

Waldrep signed a $2.9 million deal after being selected in the first round of the 2023 MLB Draft.

“The Braves selected Waldrep with the 24th overall pick of the 2023 MLB Draft. He was given a $2,997,500 contract,” Augusta Chronicle’s Ryne Dennis wrote.

Waldrep's 2026 season has been disappointing from an injury standpoint. After undergoing surgery during the offseason, he now appears to be facing another setback that could keep him from returning this year.

If Waldrep's season is indeed over, his focus will shift toward getting healthy and preparing for the 2027 season. The Braves will hope he can return at full strength in 2027.

The Braves' pitching staff has taken another significant hit. Waldrep is an exciting young pitcher Atlanta was looking forward to seeing build off his strong finish to 2025, but injuries have prevented him from getting that opportunity in 2026.

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