Spencer Strider Faces Uncertain Future After Injury-Plagued 2026 Season

Atlanta Braves pitcher Spencer Strider faces an uncertain future after an injury-shortened 2026 season. After starting the year on the IL with an oblique issue, Strider made just eight starts (39 IP, 0.1 fWAR) before elbow inflammation permanently sidelined him in June. His fastball velocity dipped to 95 mph, two ticks below his 2023 average, leading to a 126 ERA-. Rumors also linked Strider to a vetoed deadline trade for Jacob deGrom. Signed through 2028 at $22 million annually, his 2027 outlook remains volatile.