As the Braves drift toward October without their sharpest edge, the questions around this roster are getting louder. If Atlanta falls short in the playoffs, the offseason could force a hard reset on several familiar names - and Spencer Strider is already on the radar.
Mark Feinsand included Strider among his 11 most intriguing offseason trade candidates, and the reason is obvious: Atlanta has already explored moving him once. Feinsand reported that the Braves tried to send Strider to Texas in a contract swap for Jacob deGrom before the Trade Deadline, but deGrom used his no-trade clause to shut it down. Even so, Feinsand wrote, “it’s clear that Atlanta is open to moving its former ace,” pointing to Strider’s injury history and contract as the key reasons why.
Strider has been sidelined since mid-June with right elbow inflammation, and Feinsand noted that while a return this season is unlikely, there is “an outside chance he could be available out of the bullpen during the postseason.” His deal is a big part of the equation: he’s owed $22 million in each of the next two seasons, with a $22 million club option for 2029 and a $5 million buyout.
From the Braves’ perspective, the logic is simple. Strider hasn’t been the same pitcher for a while, and the gap between the old version and the current one is hard to ignore.
He had InternalBrace surgery in 2024 and has made just 31 starts since, posting a 4.66 ERA. The bigger concern, though, is what’s happened to his stuff.
His fastball velocity has fallen several ticks, and without that pitch at its old level, he’s no longer carrying the same kind of margin for error.
Atlanta could try to slide him into a bullpen role, at least in theory. Shorter outings might give him a better chance to stay healthy and maybe find some rhythm. But at $44 million over the next two seasons, that would be an awfully expensive reliever, especially if he’s not in line to close games.
That leaves the Braves with a familiar offseason problem: finding a team willing to buy into the idea that Strider can still get back to his previous form. If that market doesn’t exist, Atlanta may have to attach money, take a bad contract back, or simply wait it out. For now, that’s the most realistic path.
In Other News...
Georgia Tech Offense Is Running Out Of Time To Find Answers
Georgia Techs latest loss only sharpened the concern around an offense that has not found its footing. The Yellow Jackets fell 45-24 to No. 18 Tennessee, their fifth straight defeat and their worst start since 1989, with quarterback Alberto Mendoza enduring a rough afternoon that included two interceptions and four sacks. The ground game never gave the offense much help, either, as the rushing attack finished under 100 yards for the second game in a row.
What has stood out most during this slide is how often Georgia Tech has beaten itself with execution issues and a lack of cohesion. There is still time to steady things before the next stretch of games, but the margin for error is shrinking fast. If the Yellow Jackets are going to change the tone of this season, the fixes on offense have to come quickly. [Read more 🡒]
Georgia Tech Has No Room For Another Letdown Against Mercer
Georgia Tech heads into its week three meeting with Mercer still searching for its first win, and the margin for error is already gone. Through two games, the Yellow Jackets have had trouble on both sides of the ball, especially against the run on defense and in getting enough done offensively, where the scoring has been limited to just two touchdowns.
Brent Key pointed to some encouraging offensive adjustments from the last outing even as turnovers kept the results from turning in Georgia Techs favor, and that is the part the staff will try to build on now. With momentum hard to find and the slow start already lingering, this matchup is the kind of game the Yellow Jackets need to use as a reset before the schedule tightens again. [Read more 🡒]
Georgia Tech Needs More Than A Win Against Mercer Right Now
Georgia Tech heads into its matchup with Mercer still looking for its first win of the season, and the timing of this one matters as much as the opponent. At 0-2, the Yellow Jackets have at least shown some signs of offensive improvement in their last outing, but the record leaves little room for patience as they get ready to host a game they are expected to control.
The broader issue is whether that progress can turn into something more tangible before the schedule gets any harder. Georgia Techs staff has already pointed to the need for cleaner offense and stronger play in the trenches, which makes this more than just a tune-up game. A win would settle the obvious part, but the larger test is whether the Yellow Jackets can finally look like a team starting to solve its early-season problems. [Read more 🡒]