One of the most frustrating aspects of the Atlanta Braves' 2025 rotation struggles was the performance of expected ace Spencer Strider. Power numbers against the right-hander skyrocketed, and there was a noticeable dip in velocity early in the season. This change in Strider's game caused far more hitters to go on the attack, no longer fearing being overpowered by the right-hander. With this in mind, it is understandably confusing as to what to expect from Strider moving forward. The starter finished the 2025 season with a 7-14 record and an ERA of 4.45.
The biggest concern was that just when it seemed that Strider was starting to figure things out, regression or a poor start followed suit. Now, what exactly the Braves can expect moving forward remains a bit of a mystery. It makes the team's 2024 decision to part ways with Max Fried all the worse. The franchise is left hoping that Strider will be able to turn back the clock.
This explains why so much of the 2026 season hinges on what version of the pitcher the Braves get. You can count on Chris Sale and Spencer Schwellenbach to play at a high level. For the Braves to contend at the level expected, you need one more reliable arm. Hurston Waldrep or Strider, either putting up elite numbers, would firmly establish the Braves as contenders.
Braves Ace Spencer Strider Facing Obvious Questions After Struggling in 2025 Season
If Strider can dominate at the levels he did before 2024's season-ending injury, you have every reason to believe that Atlanta is a World Series contender. Even coming off a down year, all the Braves need to feel they have a chance is for Strider to return to form and the rotation to stay healthy. There isn't a team in the National League that can match up with Sale, Strider, Waldrep, and Schwellebach when the four pitchers are at their absolute best.
While it is a small sample size for Waldrep, the starter made a large impression, joining Atlanta's rotation in the second half of the season. This made it clear that the needed aces are in place if Strider can just turn back the clock and regain a bit more velocity and control.
This was the biggest factor in early struggles with the dip in velocity; it allowed for hitters to square up the right-hander, which appeared to damage his confidence. Leading to an obvious question as to whether or not having a full healthy offseason will bring back the velocity and early success that will allow Strider's confidence to return.
No matter the answer, there is no denying that among the current pieces, there is none with bigger power to swing how the rotation shakes up than Strider. Based on the unknowns surrounding the starter, there will be a lot of speculation throughout the offseason and into spring training.