Spencer Strider’s 2025 season fell short of expectations as the Atlanta Braves ace struggled to regain his form following a prolonged absence caused by a UCL injury. Although Strider avoided a second Tommy John surgery, he faced numerous challenges on the mound, ending the year with a disappointing 0.9 fWAR across 23 starts and 125.1 innings pitched. His performance metrics also reflected a decline, with his strikeout rate dipping to 24.3 percent compared to over 36 percent in 2022 and 2023, while his walk rate increased to 9.5 percent.
However, the early stages of 2026 spring training suggest that Strider is making meaningful adjustments as he looks to rediscover his dominant pitching form. Focused on refining his control and consistency, Strider has shown encouraging signs such as improved command over his slider, curveball, and change-up.
The goal is to try to be in the zone. Everything’s coming out of my hand right. Slider was really good, curveball was good. Got a strikeout with the curveball. Laid one in for a strike,
Strider said, per Ken Sugiura of AJC.
Change-ups out of the hand were good. That was really the goal for the day – try to narrow it in, kind of set the bar in the zone.
Braves Look to Rebound After Disappointing 2025
The Atlanta Braves concluded their 2025 campaign with a 76-86 record, placing fourth in the NL East and ending a streak of seven consecutive playoff appearances. The team struggled to stay healthy and saw many top performers, including Strider, face setbacks that contributed to the underwhelming season. Despite these hurdles, the organization remains hopeful that its core players will return to form.
At 27 years old, Strider’s immense talent remains evident, and as he continues to put injury concerns behind him, the potential for a resurgence is high. His progress in spring training signals an opportunity to reclaim his status as a Cy Young Award contender and anchor the Braves’ pitching staff moving forward.
Spencer Strider after his two-inning spring debut: "The goal is to try to be in the zone. Everything’s coming out of my hand right. Slider was really good, curveball was good. Got a strikeout with the curveball. Laid one in for a strike."
— Ken Sugiura (@ksugiuraajc) February 28, 2026
