Is Spencer Strider the Braves' No. 3 starter this season?
The Atlanta Braves could feature one of the better starting rotations in baseball this season. For Spencer Strider, however, he is in an uncertain position. Following an up and down 2025 season for the right-handed hurler, is Strider -- who was once regarded as a future superstar -- now Atlanta's No. 3 overall starter in the rotation?
Jared Greenspan of MLB.com recently published an article, where he ranked the "best 1-2" starting pitching duos in the sport. The Braves checked in at No. 5 overall on the list, but the pitchers mentioned were Chris Sale and Spencer Schwellenbach.
Of course, having three starters who could realistically be top two guys in most rotations is a good problem to have for the team. For Strider, though, he is surely looking to prove that he still has an ace-caliber ceiling.
Spencer Strider's Important 2026 Season
Strider, 27, was limited to two games pitched in 2024 due to injury. In 2025, he was able to return and make 23 starts, but the hurler turned in a 4.45 ERA across his 125.1 innings of work.
You don't have to look back too far to see a different pitcher. In 2023, Strider had a 3.86 ERA and led the league with 281 strikeouts. During the 2022 campaign, Strider had a 2.67 ERA.
So, is Strider still someone with an ace-caliber ceiling? Or is he best-suited for a middle-of-the-rotation role now?
In all reality, Strider still has the potential of a superstar. In 2025, he was simply trying to find his rhythm after his limited 2024 campaign. There is reason to believe that Strider will re-establish himself as a star this year.
There will surely be some extra motivation as well. Sale is the Braves ace while Schwellenbach has emerged as the new No. 2 option in the starting rotation. There is surely respect between Strider and Schwellenbach, but healthy competition is never a bad thing.
Overall, the Braves have a tremendous rotation without question. Reynaldo Lopez is also part of the starting pitching staff. Hurston Waldrep is expected to be the No. 5 starter, but there will probably be a competition for the role in spring training.
Atlanta's rotation will play a pivotal role during the 2026 season as the team looks to bounce back following a challenging 2025 campaign. Spencer Strider is hoping to accomplish the same exact goal as his team this year as he hopes to get back on track.