Braves Pitcher Spencer Strider Reflects on 2025 Struggles

Strider says his fastball shape hurt him and he's working to refine his stuff ahead of the 2026 season.

Feb. 27, 2026 at 11:05pm

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Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Spencer Strider acknowledged that his 2025 season was a struggle, as his fastball shape was not the same as in previous years. Strider said he needs to improve his command and competitiveness on the mound, and has been working on his mechanics throughout the offseason to get back to an elite level.

Why it matters

Strider is a key part of the Braves' rotation, and his ability to bounce back from a down year in 2025 will be crucial to the team's success in 2026. As a former All-Star, the Braves are counting on Strider to regain his top form and lead the pitching staff.

The details

Strider, 27, ended the 2025 season with a 4.45 ERA and 1.396 WHIP, while recording 131 strikeouts in 125.1 innings pitched. He acknowledged that his fastball shape was not the same as in previous years, which "definitely hurt" him. Strider said he's been working on refining his stuff and improving his mechanics throughout the offseason in order to get back to an elite level.

  • Strider spoke with media members on Friday, February 27, 2026.

The players

Spencer Strider

A 27-year-old starting pitcher for the Atlanta Braves who is looking to bounce back from a down 2025 season.

Chris Sale

A veteran starting pitcher who is expected to be at the top of the Braves' rotation alongside Strider in 2026.

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What they’re saying

“Plenty of things I need to do better. I think the simplest one, just gotta be in the strike zone. Gotta be competitive. Need guys to swing, need guys to be behind in the count, you know, getting ahead. All of that stuff [is] pitcher 101... Got to refine the stuff. Fastball shape was not the same as it has been last year, that definitely hurt me.”

— Spencer Strider (MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM)

What’s next

Strider will have the opportunity to prove himself and get back to an elite level in the 2026 season, as he is expected to be at the top of the Braves' rotation alongside veteran Chris Sale.

The takeaway

Strider's honest self-assessment and commitment to improving his mechanics and fastball shape during the offseason suggests he is determined to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 campaign. The Braves will be counting on Strider to regain his All-Star form and lead their pitching staff in 2026.