Atlanta Braves’ Spencer Strider Gives Promising 2026 Update: Can He Return to All-Star Form?

As spring training for the 2026 MLB season begins, Spencer Strider is giving the Atlanta Braves a reason for optimism. After a disappointing 2025 season in which Strider struggled to find his form, the Braves are hoping that their young ace will return to his previous All-Star level of performance. But can Strider bounce back after a difficult year, or are the Braves facing an uncertain future in their rotation?

Strider’s Rollercoaster Ride: A Challenging 2025 Season

The 2025 season was one to forget for Spencer Strider. After missing much of the 2024 campaign due to injury, Strider came into 2025 with high expectations. Unfortunately, those expectations fell short, as he posted a 4.45 ERA in 23 starts. While the number is not disastrous, it represents a significant drop-off from his previous form, which included a dominant 2023 season where he finished fourth in National League Cy Young voting with a 3.86 ERA and an astonishing 281 strikeouts. In fact, Strider seemed to have an answer for every batter he faced in 2023, making him one of the most feared pitchers in baseball.

However, Strider’s struggles in 2025 were very much influenced by an injury-plagued season. After a limited 2024 where he only made two starts due to injury, it’s possible that Strider was simply trying to regain his rhythm. The brutal setbacks in 2024 may have left him with lingering effects as he entered the following year, and it’s clear that his 2025 numbers reflect his battle to find his footing again.

As of February 2026, Strider is optimistic about the new season. When asked about his current health and outlook for the year, Strider gave a cautiously positive update. “It’s always kind of a gauge period in spring training… So far, so good,” Strider said during a recent media availability, as reported by Mark Bowman of MLB.com. For Braves fans, those words are a glimmer of hope that the young pitcher is starting to feel like himself again.

Who Is Spencer Strider?

That brings us to the most pressing question surrounding Strider: Who exactly is Spencer Strider in 2026? It may seem like a strange question to ask about a player who has already proven his worth, but after the past two seasons, it’s a legitimate one. In 2023, Strider was one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball, earning an All-Star nod and finishing just outside the top three in Cy Young voting. But following two seasons of injury and inconsistency, the question becomes, “Can he return to that elite form, or has his trajectory changed?”

Strider’s success in 2023 was built on his incredible strikeout ability. He led the league in strikeouts, and his electric fastball and slider made him a near-unhittable force. But in 2025, with his command slightly off, Strider could not replicate the dominance he displayed in 2023. His 4.45 ERA reflected those struggles, and it’s clear that his success in 2026 will hinge on his ability to get back to basics and rediscover the things that made him so great.

The injury element is crucial in this equation. Strider’s health has been a question mark since 2024, and while he seems to be in a much better place physically heading into 2026, there are still concerns about whether he can maintain his peak performance over a full season. It’s also worth noting that injuries often have a lasting impact on a pitcher’s ability to regain consistency, so Strider will need to prove that his past issues won’t hold him back in 2026.

The Braves’ Need for Strider to Return to Form

For the Atlanta Braves, the need for Strider to return to form is critical. The team’s starting rotation is currently under question, as they failed to bring in any notable new additions during the offseason. While the Braves have a talented roster with plenty of offensive firepower, their pitching staff is what could determine whether they are truly contenders for another World Series title. Strider is expected to be a key part of that rotation, but his struggles in 2025 and the uncertainty surrounding his health raise questions about whether he can truly be the ace they need.

In addition to Strider’s performance, the Braves are dealing with another setback. Spencer Schwellenbach, a rising pitcher in their system, suffered an elbow injury and will be sidelined for a significant amount of time. This only further amplifies the need for Strider to step up and be the pitcher he once was. The Braves may need him to anchor their rotation in the absence of other options, and if Strider cannot deliver, they could find themselves searching for another starter.

The Potential for a Veteran Addition

While the Braves may be hoping Strider can return to his previous form, the team is also wise to consider adding another starting pitcher to bolster their rotation. Chris Sale, despite his age, is still a reliable ace when healthy, and Reynaldo Lopez can be an asset as well. But to truly compete in the highly competitive NL East and beyond, the Braves may need to add a veteran pitcher to provide insurance in case Strider cannot recapture his All-Star form. If the team is serious about competing for the 2026 World Series, a move for a proven starter could go a long way in helping them solidify their playoff position.

The Road Ahead: Strider’s Opportunity to Prove Himself

As the season progresses, Spencer Strider will have a significant opportunity to prove that he can still pitch like an ace. He is entering the 2026 season with a clean bill of health, and if he can find the consistency that he lacked in 2025, there’s no reason why he can’t return to the pitcher who was once the talk of baseball.

Braves fans will be watching closely, hoping that Strider can regain his 2023 form and help lead the team back to the postseason. However, with questions still lingering about his ability to stay healthy and effective, the pressure is on for Strider to prove that he is the same dominant force he once was.

One thing is certain: Spencer Strider has the talent, and with a strong spring training showing, he could very well return to being the key piece the Braves need to make a deep playoff run. The potential is there, but the question remains: can he fulfill it? Fans are anxiously waiting to find out.