Spencer Strider is coming off one of the most impressive rookie campaigns in a long time for a pitcher. He struck out over 35% of the batters he faced, becoming the fastest pitcher in MLB history to record 200 strikeouts. Had it not been for his own teammate, Michael Harris II, Strider would have run away with the NL Rookie of the Year award. However, his eyes will be on a much bigger prize this season. Strider is among the favorites to take home the NL Cy Young award, and he hopes to help the Braves to another World Series.
Spencer Strider is a power pitcher, and everything is set up by his blazing 100 MPH fastball, which Braves players are raving about early on in Spring Training.
Kirby Yates called it “probably the best fastball I’ve seen in person,” and Travis d’Arnaud added that it’s “a unicorn pitch.”
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Strider has the potential to be something special for a long time. I’ve said several times this offseason that he will take home the NL Cy Young award in 2023. The only thing that can seemingly hold him back is his health. Strider’s fastball/slider combination is as deadly as any in baseball, and he could take his game a step further as he continues to improve his changeup. If that becomes an offering he can rely on, the rest of the league is in trouble.
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Photo: David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire
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