Atlanta Braves: The next 3 candidates for contract extensions

Aug 15, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Spencer Strider (65) throws against the New York Mets in the second inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 15, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Spencer Strider (65) throws against the New York Mets in the second inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
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BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – AUGUST 10: Kyle Wright #30 of the Atlanta Braves pitches against the Boston Red Sox during the third inning at Fenway Park on August 10, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – AUGUST 10: Kyle Wright #30 of the Atlanta Braves pitches against the Boston Red Sox during the third inning at Fenway Park on August 10, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images)

Kyle Wright is another young pitcher experiencing a breakout season. After struggling mightily in his first few callups, as most young pitchers do, he has really turned it on this year. He currently sports a 3.14 ERA/3.67 FIP/3.52 SIERA slash line per FanGraphs in his age 26 season. His curveball is his bread and butter, and per Baseball Savant it has an 83rd percentile spin rate, and a 34.4% whiff rate.

The biggest knock on Wright is that his fastball is very hittable. It has a .326 batting average and .558 slugging against it. Ironically, it has significantly more horizontal movement than the average MLB 4-seam fastball, and significantly less vertical movement. It averages 95.2 mph and lives mostly at the top of the strike zone.

Wright is following a long line of young Braves pitchers who have shined in recent memory. Their farm system has been a well-oiled machine for many years, and Wright appears to be a by-product of that.

The Braves may exercise caution due to the history of success not being there, but continued success will only drive his price tag up. At this point, I’d think he could be extended for a pretty fair rate even though he is not set to hit free agency until 2028.