Atlanta Braves: 5 Prospects who are Rising due to 2021 Seasons
By Matt Melton
4. RHP Spencer Strider – Atlanta Braves No. 10 Prospect
2021 Season Stats: 3-7, 3.87 ERA, 1.121 WHIP, 38 BB, 143 K
One prospect that caught the eyes of most early-on this season was Spencer Strider, Atlanta’s fourth round pick from the 2020 MLB Draft.
Beginning his first professional season in Low-A Augusta, Strider quickly burst onto the scene posting a 0.59 ERA across his first four starts of the season. Across 15.1 innings pitched, the right-hander posted a 32:5 K:BB with the GreenJackets where he quickly earned a call-up to High-A Rome.
Making only three starts in Rome, Strider continued that success posting a 2.45 ERA across 14.2 innings pitched. After seven phenomenal starts across two levels, the former Clemson Tiger would quickly earn a call-up to Double-A Mississippi where he has remained since.
So far across 12 starts, Strider has posted a 4.75 ERA with 23 walks and 82 strikeouts across 55 innings pitched. For the season, Strider’s ERA sits at a combined 3.87 with some impressive strikeout numbers.
In fact, the most impressive thing about Strider’s 2021 season are his strikeout numbers. The right-hander currently posts a combined 14.6 K/9 across three levels so far this season, partly due to his high-velocity on his dominant fastball.
The 22-year-old right-hander is still likely a year away from reaching the big leagues, but with a strong 2022 season, could see himself debut next year. While Strider is a starter right now, the Braves No. 10 prospect is certainly a player to watch that could potentially contribute in the bullpen next season.