Spencer Strider wasn’t himself after injury — but his finish changes everything for Braves

The 2025 MLB season was one that many Atlanta Braves fans would prefer to forget.
Coming into the year, the Braves were considered one of the best teams in baseball, but they didn’t quite live up to that expectation. Despite a strong roster, they found themselves struggling. One of the most significant moments of the season came with the return of ace right-hander Spencer Strider, who had missed the majority of the 2024 season due to injury, making just two starts. Unfortunately, even Strider’s return wasn’t quite what the Braves had hoped for.

In the early part of the season, Strider looked far from the dominant force he was in 2023, when he finished fourth in the NL Cy Young Award voting. His return was marked by struggles that left questions about his future performance. But the 2025 season’s finish would change everything, giving the Braves hope that Strider could bounce back to his previous form.

Strider’s Injury Woes and Struggles in 2025

As ESPN’s Alden Gonzalez noted, Strider’s return from elbow surgery in 2025 wasn’t the smooth, dominant comeback many had expected.
His strikeout rate dropped to 24.3%, a sharp decline from his stellar 36.8% in 2023. The fastball, which had been a key weapon in Strider’s arsenal, also lacked its usual life and velocity. His ERA stood at 4.45, a far cry from his 2023 performance, when he posted a 2.67 ERA and was one of the most overpowering pitchers in baseball.

Despite those struggles, Strider’s numbers weren’t a complete disaster. His 9.4 strikeouts per nine innings was still solid, but he simply wasn’t the same player that dominated the National League the year before.

Strider’s Strong Finish Sparks Hope for 2026

However, as Alden Gonzalez also pointed out, Strider finished strong in 2025, which gives Braves fans optimism for the 2026 season. Over his last six starts, Strider posted an impressive 2.50 ERA, showcasing the potential for a much more dominant performance going forward.
The key here is that Strider’s quality of stuff appeared to return toward the end of the season, and with another year removed from elbow surgery, there’s hope he can regain the form that made him one of the best pitchers in baseball in 2023.

The Braves’ Potential with Strider Back at Full Strength

Strider’s 2023 season was one for the ages.
He finished with 20 wins and 5 losses, 281 strikeouts in 186.2 innings, and led the league in strikeouts. His fastball was nearly untouchable, and his strikeout stuff was elite, putting him among the top pitchers in modern baseball. His performance helped carry the Braves into contention, and his dynamic presence on the mound made him a fan favorite in Atlanta, with his signature mustache and muscular quads adding to his larger-than-life personality.

But with Strider struggling in 2025, the Braves faced uncertainty about their pitching rotation. While they had depth in their rotation, Strider was still considered the key piece that could elevate them to the next level.
As Gonzalez mentioned, the Braves are rich in pitching prospects, with three players in Kiley McDaniels’ top 100 list, but Strider remains the one who has the ability to put the Braves over the top in an incredibly competitive NL East.

NL East: A Competitive Division

The NL East is one of the most challenging divisions in all of baseball, and with teams like the New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, and Miami Marlins, the Braves are going to need all hands on deck to contend for the division title.
Having Strider back at full strength would provide them with a frontline ace who can dominate the opposition and lead the team deep into the postseason. In a division that features elite offenses and competitive teams, Strider could be the difference-maker that pushes the Braves to the top of the standings.

Strider’s Future with the Braves

For the Braves, getting Spencer Strider back to his Cy Young-caliber form is vital for their success in 2026.
With a rotation that has several promising arms, Strider remains the key to a potential championship run. If Strider can stay healthy and replicate the form he showed in 2023, he will undoubtedly be one of the most dominant pitchers in the game.
With Max Fried and Kyle Wright forming a solid core in the rotation, and other young pitchers continuing to develop, Strider’s return to form will be the final piece the Braves need to truly contend for the World Series.

Looking Ahead to 2026

As spring training continues, the Braves’ pitching staff will be one of the most closely watched in all of baseball. Strider is the wild card that could turn a solid rotation into one of the best in baseball.
The Braves will be hoping that the strong finish to Strider’s 2025 season wasn’t just a fluke but a sign of things to come.
For Braves fans, the hope is that Strider can carry that momentum into 2026, dominating hitters once again and leading the team back to the postseason.

In conclusion, Spencer Strider’s finish to the 2025 season changes everything for the Braves heading into 2026.
While his injury-riddled 2025 campaign was far from ideal, his strong finish and the hope of a full recovery offer Atlanta the potential for a huge boost in the upcoming season. If Strider returns to his dominant self, the Braves could once again be one of the most feared teams in baseball, ready to take on the competition and claim the NL East title.