The Atlanta Braves starting rotation could be among the best in MLB in 2026. Chris Sale will lead the way while Spencer Strider and Spencer Schwellenbach are set to pitch as the No. 2 and No. 3 starters in the rotation. During a recent interview, Strider was asked about Schwellenbach's potential, via the Braves.

"It's pretty high," Strider said of Schwellenbach's ceiling. "I mean, he's unbelievably talented, unbelievably intelligent, works extremely hard, wants to get better, wants to compete, wants to win. He's still learning so much about himself. Just hasn't been pitching still that long, which is a great thing in some ways because there's still so many gains to be made, and he knows that. And he wants to pursue it.

"He's a great teammate, fun to be around."

Schwellenbach is absolutely filthy on the mound. The right-handed hurler finished 2025 with a 3.09 ERA in only 17 starts. He was in the 95th percentile for chase percentage and 99th percentile for walk percentage. He throws hard as well, checking in at the 86th percentile for fastball velocity. 

In addition to his four-seam fastball, Schwellenbach throws a slider, split finger, curveball, cutter and a changeup. He relies on the fastball and slider most of the time, but is not afraid to work in the other pitches as well.

Overall, he finished 2025 in the 93rd percentile for fastball run value and 86th percentile for breaking run value. He does a good job of utilizing his top pitches to limit the damage. The fact that the young right-handed hurler limits walks at a high level makes his success even more impressive. Many young hard-throwing pitchers struggle in the walks department, but that has not been an issue for Schwellenbach.

The 25-year-old has only pitched two big league seasons heading into 2026. He already looks like a future ace, however. Sale is the Braves' leader in the rotation right now, but he is 36 years old. 

Schwellenbach and Strider -- who is 27 -- could become the next co-aces of the rotation. With that being said, Sale has not displayed any signs of slowing down. For now, Atlanta will not complain about having a potentially elite trio of starters atop the rotation. 

Keeping the rotation healthy will be the key to success. Injuries played an unfortunate role in the team's 2025 campaign. As a result, Atlanta missed the postseason. 

The team features serious potential between both the pitching and offense. If the Braves can find a way to keep their players healthier in 2026, a return to the playoffs will become quite realistic. 

Spencer Schwellenbach can help the Braves in a pivotal manner by taking the next step in his development as well. He features a Cy Young ceiling, and 2026 could be his true breakout year. He already looks like a future superstar, and 2026 may be the year he reaches his potential.