Call to the pen
Fansided

Atlanta Braves are being powered by two ROY Candidates

By Scott Henry

Jun 26, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Spencer Strider (65) throws against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the second inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 26, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Spencer Strider (65) throws against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the second inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Atlanta Braves currently stand 21 games over .500 heading into Saturday, and they are only 3.5 games back from the staunch Mets. They have gotten extremely strong performances from Austin Riley (159 wRC+), Dansby Swanson (5.0 WAR), and Max Fried (2.58 ERA), but in order to really break out, you need unexpected contributions. Enter their two Rookie of the Year candidates, Michael Harris II and Spencer Strider.

Do the Atlanta Braves have a 5-tool rookie?

Early on in his career, Michael Harris II has been displaying the five tools that teams around the league covet. He currently sports a .290 average, and has shown plenty of power with 12 Home-runs and a .495 slugging in only 214 at bats. He definitely has the speed tool, with 12 stolen bases early on, and the speed is clearly evident in the field as well.

Per Fangraphs Harris II has a 6 DRS and 2.9 UZR, and both are good for the best on the team. His defensive skills were all on display with this missile he threw on Friday.

In any other year, I’d guess Harris II would be the Rookie of the year favorite. Unfortunately for him, his own teammate is stealing that honor.

The mustache knows how to miss bats

Spencer Strider has been an absolute force in the Atlanta Braves rotation. He currently owns a 2.79 ERA and averages 13.76 Ks per 9 innings. Per Baseball Savant, he is in the top 1% of the league in K%, top 2% in fastball velocity, and top 8% in xERA. He mostly lives off of his fastball and slider, and his fastball has a ridiculous .188 BA against, and a 28.3% whiff rate.

The advanced Fangraphs statistics paint an even better picture. He currently owns a 2.41 xFIP and a 2.44 SIERA. None of these statistics are more impressive than his mustache though.

Next. Cano trying once again. dark

Hopefully we will get to watch these young guns in October!

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