Last year’s MLB Draft only had five rounds, but it looks like the Braves might have found a gem. With their fourth-round pick, they selected right-handed pitcher Spencer Strider out of Clemson. After putting up some impressive numbers as a freshman, striking out 12.4 batters per nine innings, he missed the entire 2019 season because of Tommy John Surgery, and of course, only had four starts during the shortened 2020 campaign. Still, the Braves saw enough to take him with the 126th overall pick.
Strider already has a three-pitch mix, featuring a fastball, slider, and changeup. Right now, the fastball is what should get the Braves excited. Coming out of college, he was topping out around 96, but according to Braves prospect guru David Lee (do yourself a favor and give him a follow), Strider was sitting in between 97-99 and even touched triple digits in his second start last night — an outing in which he struck out 10 in just 3 2/3 innings.
Strider touched 100 in the 3rd. Utilizing the breaker more this time out. Varies between tight wipeout breaker and more of a traditional power curve with downward tilt.
— David Lee (@David11Lee) May 19, 2021
As Lee also mentions, it looks like Strider has some variety in his breaking ball as well, switching between more of a slider and a curve. Through his first 6 2/3 innings of professional baseball, he has 17 strikeouts and has not even allowed a hit. Strider is currently a member of the Augusta GreenJackets — the Braves A-ball affiliate. However, I have a tough time believing he will be there for very long. This is undoubtedly a prospect to keep an eye on.
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