The Atlanta Braves are having one of the worst stretches they've had in recent memory. It seems like all of the magic they found at the start of the season has dissipated completely. It feels like watching a completely different team. The confidence isn't anywhere to be found, and the offensive production went with it as well. Couple that with the starting rotation being garbage outside of Chris Sale, and the bullpen starting to crack, and you have a recipe for disaster.
Spencer Strider had hoped 2025 would be the year he bounced back, despite his approach having to change after his UCL brace procedure. Unfortunately, Strider has struggled to pitch well without his velocity, and multiple injuries haven't helped that.
Spencer Strider possibly not returning in 2026 is an absolute gut punch for the Braves
Strider has been on the IL since June 13th, starting on the 15-day IL, but was transferred to the 60-day IL on June 17th due to right elbow inflammation. That's the last thing anyone wanted to hear after he just returned from an elbow injury.
Unfortunately, fans may not see him on the mound again in 2026. Braves insider Mark Bowman gave quite the downer outlook on Strider's chances of returning. In a recent article, Bowman stated that the Braves should see AJ Smith-Shawver and Spencer Schwellenbach return in September. However, he doesn't think that Atlanta can count on Strider making another appearance this year.
That is not what the team wanted to hear after all of the pitching struggles. They need stability and dependability sooner rather than later. Strider seems like he won't be part of the puzzle, and that stinks.
It's not an ideal place for the Braves, as the former ace has two years remaining on his six-year, $75 million contract. Strider is owed $20 million this season and $22 million in 2027 and 2028. Probably not what AA had in mind when he extended Strider. However, he and the Braves knew this was part of the risk of signing a young player early in his career.
There's no trade value right now, so the Braves are pretty much stuck with paying him. They'll hope that Strider can find a way to succeed over the final two years of his contract. Otherwise, the righty turned in a bust much quicker than anyone could have expected.