The Atlanta Braves are gearing up for the 2026 season with a clear mission: to reclaim their spot as National League contenders and mount a serious October run. As they kick off spring training in North Port, Florida, all eyes are on Spencer Strider, whose return to ace form could be pivotal for the Braves' ambitions.
Strider, at his best, was a force to be reckoned with on the mound. Back in 2023, he led the league with 281 strikeouts and 20 wins, finishing fourth in the National League Cy Young race.
His arsenal included a blistering 97 to 99 mph fastball and a devastating slider, making him a nightmare for hitters. His 13.5 strikeouts per nine innings weren’t just about speed; they reflected his precision and aggressive approach.
With Strider leading the charge, the Braves' rotation was among the most feared, positioning them as championship favorites.
However, the tide turned in April 2024. Elbow inflammation sidelined Strider, leading to an internal brace procedure that ended his season.
It was his second major elbow surgery, following Tommy John surgery in 2019. While the Braves remain confident in his long-term potential, history suggests power pitchers often need time to regain their full prowess post-surgery.
The 2025 season was a mixed bag for Strider. Though he made 23 starts, inconsistency was the theme.
He ended with a 4.45 ERA, and his strikeout rate dropped to 24.3 percent. His fastball was clocking in at 95 to 96 mph, missing the late life that once set him apart.
A hamstring strain further complicated matters, disrupting his mechanics and timing.
Yet, there were glimmers of hope. In his last six starts of 2025, Strider posted a 2.50 ERA, showing improved command and sharper pitch sequencing.
His fastball began to regain its explosiveness, hinting at a return to form. For the Braves, this was a promising sign that if Strider continues this trajectory in spring training, he could once again be a cornerstone of their rotation.
The stakes are high. Chris Sale, the 2024 National League Cy Young winner, now leads the Braves' staff.
But in a fiercely competitive NL East, more than one ace is needed. With the Phillies and Mets posing significant challenges, postseason success will likely hinge on elite strikeout pitching.
Strider's ability to elevate his strikeout rate above 30 percent could be a game-changer in crucial playoff matchups.
This spring, every bullpen session and Grapefruit League appearance will be under scrutiny. Coaches will monitor his velocity, looking for consistent 97 mph readings as a sign of full recovery. Equally important is his strikeout percentage, which needs to climb back toward the 30 percent mark that defined his dominance in 2022 and 2023.
While spring training won't provide all the answers, it will set the tone. The Braves don't need Strider to be perfect in February; they need to see that his velocity, command, and swing-and-miss prowess are on the rise.
Should Strider return to form, the Braves will have the frontline power they need to compete with the Phillies and Mets and make a serious playoff push. If not, the path back to National League prominence becomes steeper. This spring is about more than just preparation for Strider; it's about reestablishing the standard needed for another championship chase.