The MLB offseason, a time when trade rumors swirl like leaves in a fall breeze. For Atlanta Braves fans, speculation about who might stay and who might go is part of the winter drama. This year, though, it seems like top pitching prospects Cam Caminiti and Hurston Waldrep are in a pretty safe spot, at least for now.
MLB’s Braves Insider Chimes In
Mark Bowman of MLB.com has weighed in on the matter. While he acknowledges the unpredictability of offseason moves, he makes a compelling case for why these two recent first-round picks are unlikely to be traded. Bowman even stops short of calling Waldrep “untouchable,” but he essentially places both pitchers in the “highly unlikely to be moved” category. That’s as close as you’ll get to a guarantee in baseball’s offseason.
Why Cam Caminiti?
Let’s dig into why. Cam Caminiti, an 18-year-old left-hander, is already making waves as MLB’s No. 92 overall prospect. Drafted just this past summer, he barely got his feet wet in pro ball, logging three innings for the Augusta GreenJackets with a respectable debut. His combination of youth, potential, and draft pedigree makes him a compelling piece for the Braves’ future rotation puzzle—and likely untouchable in any but the most lopsided trade offers.
Why Hurston Waldrep?
Waldrep’s story is a bit more eventful. The 22-year-old drafted in 2023 made a swift MLB debut in June, skipping the usual development timeline. However, his two starts were, let’s just say, challenging. Thirteen earned runs in seven innings will give anyone pause. Then came an elbow injury, sidelining him and raising eyebrows about his long-term durability. After recovering, Waldrep spent the remainder of his season in Triple-A, where he had a chance to refine his skills.
Braves Watching Development For Now
While rumors circulated that Waldrep could be dangled as trade bait during the Winter Meetings, those whispers seem to have quieted. Unless an irresistible offer comes, the Braves signal that patience is the better play here. After all, trading two pitchers with such limited pro experience before seeing their full potential would be a high-risk move.
Keeping Caminiti and Waldrep in the fold feels like the right call for Braves fans dreaming of the next homegrown ace. These two arms represent a future the team isn’t quite ready to gamble on—yet.
