The Atlanta Braves have been able to lock in their young talent, building a sustainable core that will allow them to compete for the foreseeable future. They have managed to do so once again with Spencer Strider.
The Braves announced an extension for Strider early Monday morning, a six year deal worth $75 million. There is also a team option for 2029 worth an additional $22 million with a $5 million buyout.
Atlanta Braves continue wizardry in signing young players with Spencer Strider
Strider had a truly dominating rookie campaign, one that will make him one of the favorites for the NL Rookie of the Year. He posted a 2.67 ERA and a 0.995 WHiP over his 131.2 innings, striking out 202 batters with just 45 walks. As the Braves noted in their press release, he was the first pitcher in MLB history to strike out over 200 batters while allowing fewer than 100 hits – Strider allowed 86 hits all season.
For the Braves, Strider has become yet another part of the core locked up for the foreseeable future. He joins Austin Riley, Matt Olson, Ronald Acuna Jr., Michael Harris II, and Ozzie Albies as being under team control through 2027. And it is entirely possible that they are not done locking pieces in for the future.
It is also another reason for opposing teams to wonder if the Braves front office has a hidden mind control device. They have been able to lock their young stars in with affordable extensions, ensuring that they will contend for years to come barring injury or some unforeseen catastrophe.
And that might be why the Braves are able to get these team friendly deals. They have built a contending team, one that players will want to be a part of as they look to win a championship. That could result in taking a discount to ensure that the Braves continue to win titles and put themselves in the best position possible to have a sustainable contender.
The Atlanta Braves have locked in yet another piece to their core. Spencer Strider is now the latest young star signed to a long term extension.