3 Atlanta Braves on track to win major hardware this season

3 of 4

May 17, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Spencer Strider (99) throws during the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Spencer Strider

Unlike Ronald, Spencer Strider isn’t running away with any awards, but it is clear Strider is Atlanta’s ace and clearly in the Cy Young discussion. What has felt like an average start to the season for Strider has resulted in an ERA under 3, as well as 86 strikeouts compared to only 18 walks. Strider clearly has ways to improve and still is one of the top five starters in the National League so far this season.

Looking at likely improvement from Strider and expected regression from the rest of the league it is fair to think Strider will only continue to become a larger part of the Cy Young conversation as the season wears on.

Strider is extremely important to Atlanta who now only has Morton and Strider as starters they can rely on. Considering Morton’s age, there is an argument to be made that Strider is now the lone Braves starter with high expectations.

Both Kyle Wright and Max Fried are on the shelf for the foreseeable future, only making what Strider is doing all the more impressive considering the pressure.

Strider isn’t racking up strikeouts against poor lineups nor maintaining a high K rate, even against the best hitters the pitcher faces. There is an easy argument that at the end of the season, Atlanta will have both the MVP and Cy Young winners on their roster.

Home/Atlanta Braves