At this point, no one knows what to expect out of Spencer Strider going forward, including the Atlanta Braves. The optimists point to the fact that his elbow scans showed only inflammation and that when he is right, Strider has as much arm talent as any pitcher in baseball. The pessimists argue that Strider has now had multiple elbow injuries and was already showing signs that those injuries had taken a toll BEFORE his latest arm trouble.
Everyone, however, agrees that any hope Strider will be able to live up to his current contract is decreasing with each passing day. So what should the Braves do? Well, it would be understandable if they took a wait-and-see approach in hopes that Strider can still be a starter. They could also do what many expect Atlanta to do and shift him into a bullpen role to limit his innings. However, the upcoming trade deadline may provide the Braves with a third potential option.
With the deadline just days away, MLB's Braves insider Mark Bowman recently put out an article about how the Braves' various injuries could impact their trade deadline plans. In that piece, he openly (and pretty thoroughly) explored the idea that the Braves could explore trading Strider at the deadline this year. While it sounds like a crazy idea, it could actually make some sense.
Braves trading Spencer Strider at the deadline isn't as crazy as people think (although it is still pretty crazy)
The idea here is based on the assumption that the Braves believe Strider's value is unlikely to rebound anytime soon. With the current chatter being that Strider is unlikely to pitch in the rotation (if at all) again this year, in combination with his injury issues, there may be something to that idea.
However, everyone knows that Strider's raw stuff (when healthy) is very good and that stuff could play up in a relief role. The Braves themselves tried Strider out in the bullpen when they first called him up, and he did look good there, although that was a different version of Strider than we have nowadays. Teams that need pitching help this season may not make much sense as suitors for a Strider trade, but those who are looking for relief upside in 2027 and beyond or a rotation lottery ticket, a deal could make sense.
If the Braves were to facilitate a trade, they would have to eat some of Strider's contract. There is just too much risk for any team at $20+ million through at least 2028. However, if Atlanta was willing to eat half of his contract, they would still get a nice chunk of payroll relief and potentially get some talent back in return if the Braves can find a team who might take a chance on Strider.
Does that mean a Strider trade is likely? Probably not, as a lot has to go right for that to happen and there is also the open question of exactly what Strider's medicals look like right now. There is also the matter that Atlanta needs pitching depth, so giving up on Strider with that need ever-present could be a bit dubious. However, the truth is that Strider's future in the Braves' rotation is already in question, and this may be the team's best chance to recoup some value if his recovery doesn't go well.
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