Spencer Strider 2024 Player Outlook: Elite SP Option
4 months agoAtlanta Braves starting pitcher Spencer Strider enters the upcoming season on the heels of the best performance in his young career, securing a fourth-place finish in NL Cy Young voting. The 25-year-old not only claimed the second spot in expected ERA (3.09) but also dominated with the league's best strikeout rate at 36.8 percent. Strider's 2022 success translated into another outstanding year, marking a career-high in innings pitched (186.2) as the team's reliable ace. Despite relying on a straightforward three-pitch mix, his exceptional fastball velocity, spin, and evolving slider have proven formidable against opposing hitters. Strider's proficiency extends beyond merely throwing strikes and inducing swings and misses; he consistently maintains above-average metrics in average exit velocity allowed and hard-hit percentage. With an ADP of around 13, he stands out as one of the premier choices in the starting pitching position for the upcoming 2024 season. If he sustains this momentum and continues overpowering hitters with his dominant fastball, Strider is poised to remain a coveted fantasy asset for the foreseeable future. The young pitcher's trajectory hints at a sustained and impactful presence on the mound, solidifying his standing as a cornerstone for the Atlanta Braves.