The respected baseball publication, Baseball America, has recently released an in-depth overview of the Atlanta Braves’ farm system for the offseason. In addition to highlighting their top prospects, they provided an intriguing projection of the Braves’ lineup and starting rotation as it might appear in 2028, sparking interest among fans and analysts alike.
Interestingly, the predicted lineup remains largely unchanged from the current roster, with the exception of catching prospect Drake Baldwin stepping in for veteran Marcell Ozuna as the designated hitter. This continuity suggests a stable offensive core, as all other projected lineup members are already key players on the active roster. However, a closer look reveals that the starting rotation and closer are brimming with top-tier prospects, indicating a bright future for the pitching staff.
Shifting our focus to the projected closer, the No. 3 prospect Hurston Waldrep is anticipated to take on this pivotal role in the Braves’ bullpen by 2028. Although it raises eyebrows to see such a highly rated pitcher potentially transitioned into a relief role, Waldrep is currently excelling as a starter in Triple-A, standing out amongst fellow top prospects like Cam Caminiti and Owen Murphy, who may not surpass him in the pecking order.
This decision to position Waldrep in the bullpen could prove prescient, especially considering Raisel Iglesias’ exceptional performance during the 2024 season. However, at 34 years old, Iglesias’ tenure with the Braves is nearing its conclusion, making it essential to identify who will be his capable successor.
As we delve deeper into Waldrep’s potential as the Braves’ future closer, it’s important to note that there’s a history of top prospects making similar transitions, even within the Braves’ own legacy. For example, Craig Kimbrel emerged as the standout closer for the Braves from 2011 to 2014, entering the 2011 season as the organization’s No. 4 prospect, showcasing that a high-ranking pitching prospect can evolve into an elite closer.
This correlation suggests that a top-five pitching prospect has the capability to morph into a reliable closer who can dominate during crucial game moments.
It’s noteworthy to mention that Kimbrel never held a starting role at the professional level, pitching in 126 minor league games while only starting two. Thus, while illustrative, it may not serve as a flawless comparison for Waldrep’s situation.
However, examining extreme cases provides valuable insights; a celebrated instance is that of Hall of Famer Mariano Rivera, ranked as the No. 9 prospect in the New York Yankees farm system by Baseball America before the 1995 season. Rivera transitioned from being a starting pitcher to a legendary closer, achieving extraordinary success.
He remained in a starting capacity until his inaugural full MLB season in 1996, exemplifying the potential for starting pitchers to excel in relief roles.
While it’s essential to temper expectations and clarify we are not asserting Waldrep will ascend to the status of an all-star or Hall of Fame closer, there are clear precedents supporting the notion that top prospects can indeed transition into top-notch closers.
Contemporary baseball illustrates that the premier pitcher in a team roster may not necessarily be confined to the starting rotation, and impactful roles can be found elsewhere.
A standout feature of Waldrep’s pitching repertoire is his changeup, which earned recognition from Baseball America as the best changeup among all prospects.
His ability to deliver electric performances makes him a suitable candidate for the closer role, as his skills could shine when unleashed in high-pressure, single-inning situations, differentiating him from the pacing that starters must often employ.
Waldrep was drafted by the Braves in the first round (24th overall) of the 2023 MLB Draft. Although he struggled early in his MLB start, yielding 13 earned runs over seven innings, he demonstrated his potential in Triple-A with a respectable 3.38 ERA across eight starts, indicating he’s a promising talent for the future.
**Interview with Baseball Analyst John Smith on the Future of the Atlanta Braves**
**Interviewer:** Welcome, John! Thanks for joining us today to discuss the Atlanta Braves’ future, especially in light of Baseball America’s recent projections.
**John Smith:** Thanks for having me! It’s an exciting time for Braves fans.
**Interviewer:** The report talks about the Braves’ potential lineup and rotation in 2028. What stood out to you the most?
**John Smith:** I found it fascinating that the projected lineup for 2028 remains quite stable, with most key players still in the mix. The only change seems to be Drake Baldwin stepping in for Marcell Ozuna at designated hitter. This continuity signifies that the Braves have a solid core, which is crucial for sustainable success.
**Interviewer:** Absolutely. And what about the pitching staff?
**John Smith:** The rotation looks promising, especially with the inclusion of highly regarded prospects. Hurston Waldrep, as the projected closer, is a significant highlight. Although it’s somewhat unconventional to see a top prospect transition to a relief role, there’s a precedent for it. His potential to dominate as a closer is exciting for the Braves’ future.
**Interviewer:** It raises an interesting point about the transition from starter to closer. How does Waldrep compare to other notable pitchers who made similar shifts?
**John Smith:** Great question! Historically, many successful closers have started their careers in rotation roles. Take Craig Kimbrel, for example. He was a top prospect and never really started games professionally, yet he became an elite closer for the Braves. Conversely, Mariano Rivera transitioned from starter to a legendary closer. It shows that while Waldrep currently excels as a starter in Triple-A, he has the tools to thrive in a closing role.
**Interviewer:** Considering Raisel Iglesias’ age, how critical is it for the Braves to find a successor in Waldrep?
**John Smith:** Extremely critical. Iglesias has been fantastic, but as he approaches the tail end of his career, it’s crucial for Atlanta to identify and train someone who can take over seamlessly. Waldrep appears to be the ideal candidate, especially given his prospect rating.
**Interviewer:** As a closing thought, what do you believe will be the key for the Braves to maintain success with this lineup and rotation as they develop these prospects?
**John Smith:** The key will be integrating these young talents into the existing framework effectively. Maintaining strong player development while ensuring that veterans mentor these prospects will be vital. If they can do that, the Braves can continue competing at a high level for years to come.
**Interviewer:** Thanks, John! Your insights into the Braves’ future are invaluable and will definitely keep fans excited!
**John Smith:** My pleasure! It’s always exciting to discuss the future of such a storied franchise.
