Atlanta Braves pitcher Spencer Strider recently signed a six-year extension to remain with the Braves. | MLB Network/Facebook
Atlanta Braves pitcher Spencer Strider recently signed a six-year extension to remain with the Braves. | MLB Network/Facebook
With several of their best young players signed to long-term deals, the defending champion Atlanta Braves arguably boast the brightest future in MLB.
Add pitcher Spencer Strider to the impressive mix of players signed for the foreseeable future. Atlanta inked the hard-throwing right-hander to a six-year, $75 million deal Oct. 10, according to Fox 5 Atlanta. Strider is now under contract with the club through the 2028 season, including a $22 million option with a $5 million buyout in 2029.
“It’s very cool and humbling to have the opportunity to stay here," Strider told reporters after the deal was official. "I was eager to get a deal done because of the commitment to winning not just right now but in the future with the guys that are in the clubhouse."
Known for his 100-mph fastball and bushy mustache, Strider has turned in a sensational rookie season, Fox 5 reported. The 24-year-old produced an 11-5 record with a 2.67 ERA and 202 strikeouts in 131 innings pitched, which equates to 13.9 strikeouts per 9 innings. He’s also the first pitcher in major league history to strike out over 200 batters and allow less than 100 hits in a season.
Atlanta drafted the Columbus, Ohio, native out of Clemson University in the fourth round of the 2020 MLB Draft.
Since March, all-star third baseman Austin Riley (10 years/$212 million), rookie outfielder Michael Harris (eight years/$72 million) and first baseman Matt Olson (eight years/$168 million) have all signed long-term deals with the Braves. The team previously signed extensions with two of MLB’s top young stars: Ronald Acuna Jr. to an eight-year, $100-million contract and Ozzie Albies to a seven-year, $35 million deal.
“They’re a tight group and they’re great young men,” Braves manager, Brian Snitker, said. “I think it’s even more encouraging within your organization to know you’re going to have that nucleus every year.”
The Braves, who won the National League East with a 101-61 record this season, trail the Philadelphia Phillies 2-1 in the National League Division Series. Strider struggled in Game 3, allowing five runs with four strikeouts and two walks in 2 ⅓ innings as the Phillies rolled to a 9-1 victory.
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