If there is one thing Atlanta Braves fans can appreciate about Spencer Strider's off-the-field approach, it is a refusal to sugarcoat. When Strider first returned and threw the ball poorly, no one was more critical or outspoken about the need to improve. While Strider's performance has moved in the right direction, it still isn't the level of domination Atlanta fans were spoiled to expect prior to last year's season-ending injury. It doesn't come as a surprise that the pitcher himself called this out, saying that Atlanta's overall effort had been "embarrassing" in the 2025 season. The starter was quick to point out that this included himself as well.
Offering a peek inside the clubhouse, Strider talked about how it had been a topic of conversation that this level of performance could force the Atlanta front office to sell. This is where the Braves now find themselves with no other option. It would take a historic winning streak just to put the franchise back into the postseason conversation. Add in the endless injuries and struggling players, and there simply isn't a realistic path back into contention. Trading away players and attempting to build for the 2026 season is the only remaining path.
Spencer Strider Points Out Hard Truth For Braves Fans
Strider pulled no punches in discussing what lies ahead for Atlanta at the deadline, and his comments are also a sobering reminder of the human side of these kinds of transactions. He acknowledged that players expect to be saying goodbye to some of their friends thanks to the team's embarrassing performance in 2025.
Strider said the #Braves' performance has been "embarassing" and made sure to note that especially includes his own. Said players have talked for two months about how they knew they might be saying goodbye to some friends before the trade deadline if the team didn't play better.
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) July 23, 2025
Strider being willing to point this out might be endearing, but it doesn't lessen the frustration with where the season has fallen. This was supposed to be a group competing with the Dodgers and Phillies for the National League. Instead, they are competing with the Marlins and Nationals for the bottom spots in the division. It is an incredible fall that really is hard to sum up.
The Atlanta ace makes a fair point that friends are about to be lost with the front office being forced into a position they denied early in the season. While the Braves front office can be blamed for many things, deciding to sell in the team's current position isn't one of them. It is the only path left when you're this far out of realistic contention. Not selling away expiring contracts and failing players would be borderline malpractice for the front office.
With this in mind, Strider is on the money for what is to come in the next week of the season. Braves fans should brace themselves for a number of impactful departures as the team attempts to reset for next season. One that simply cannot be any worse than a cursed 2025.