Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Spencer Strider endured a difficult 2025 season to say the least. After being limited to two games pitched in 2024 due to injury, Strider recorded a 4.45 ERA across his 23 2026 outings. During a recent media availability, Strider was asked how he is feeling ahead of 2026 spring training, via Mark Bowman of MLB.com.

"It's always kind of a gauge period in spring training... So far, so good," Strider said.

For Strider, the question boils down to this: Who is Spencer Strider?

Sure, it may sound confusing. However, it is a valid question.

In 2023, Strider was an All-Star and finished fourth in National League Cy Young voting after recording a 3.86 ERA and league leading 281 strikeouts. It seemed like Strider was striking out almost everyone he faced. 

Fast forward to 2026, and Strider is fresh off a down 2025 campaign following an injury-plagued '25 season. The injury element is important to note, however.

Strider very well may have been simply trying to find his rhythm once again following his injury-riddled 2024. He is likely in a much better place heading into the new season. 

It goes without saying, but the Braves will need Strider to be on top of his game. Not only did they fail to sign another starter this offseason (as of this story's writing), but Spencer Schwellenbach recently suffered an elbow injury and he will miss a significant amount of time as a result. 

Chris Sale is still an ace. Reynaldo Lopez is a reliable pitcher when healthy. In order to truly compete, though, Atlanta will need Strider to be, well, Spencer Strider once again. 

The Braves could look to sign another starting pitcher before the offseason. In all reality, that would be a smart move. Bringing in at least one veteran starter could help the team in a pivotal manner. 

As things stand at the moment, Atlanta's starting rotation has serious questions. The good news is that Spencer Strider seems to be healthy. Now it remains to be seen how he will perform in 2026. He still has the potential, but there are no guarantees that he will still pitch like an All-Star.

Braves fans will closely monitor Spencer Strider's performance throughout the upcoming campaign as he attempts to prove that he can still pitch at an ace-caliber level.