The Atlanta Braves Spencer Strider, the ace pitcher for the team, may be out for the rest of the season. Despite this, the Braves are not looking to add a new starter like Trevor Bauer from the free agent market.
David O’Brien of The Athletic stated on April 8 that the Braves will definitely not sign Bauer.
“That’s why they have all this depth,” O’Brien said during an appearance on 92.9 The Game.. “Everyone assumes they will go to the market, but there are not great pitchers available in April. No one is getting rid of their best pitchers, and that's what it would take. You wouldn't go out and get a pitcher unless he was clearly better than what you've got waiting, and they had guys competing for the fifth spot.
Bauer won the National League Cy Young award in 2020. But he hasn’t played in an MLB regular season game since June 2021. On July 2, 2021,
Bauer won the MLB put Bauer on administrative leave while launching an investigation into sexual assault allegations against him. The investigation led to Bauer being suspended for 2 years without pay for violating the league's policies on domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse.
Bauer’s suspension was reduced to 194 games instead of 324. The
Los Angeles Dodgers designated him for assignment and subsequently released him in January 2023. Last season, Bauer pitched
He announced in March 2024 that he would start this season in the Mexican League. in Japan. Strider exited Atlanta’s home opener on April 5 due to right elbow discomfort. He was placed on
the 15-day injured list on April 7. Could the Braves Pursue Trevor Bauer? O’Brien suggested.
that Bauer is still available in MLB free agency because he's a “marginal or OK” pitcher at this stage in his career.
Bauer turned 33 in January and hasn’t played in the majors in nearly three years. However, O’Brien also argued that the Braves won’t be interested in Bauer due to his “baggage.” “The Braves prioritize vetting players more than almost any other team, focusing on character and clubhouse dynamics as their top priority, in addition to talent of course,”
O’Brien explained
. “They frequently discuss clubhouse chemistry and the extensive vetting they do on players, including their background and their reputation in the clubhouse. “Are you telling me that when they evaluate Trevor Bauer, they will find that 'everyone says get this guy, he’s great in the clubhouse, he’s the teammate they want’? No.”Before his administrative leave in July 2021,
Bauer had an 8-5 record with a 2.59 ERA, along with 137 strikeouts in 107.2 innings.
When he won the Cy Young in 2020, he led the NL with a 1.73 ERA and 0.795 WHIP. Bauer had Throughout his 10-year MLB career, Bauer has been a strikeout pitcher like Strider. Bauer has struck out 1,416 batters while achieving an 83-69 record with a 3.79 ERA in 1,297.2 innings.
However, O’Brien emphasized that this is not significant for the Braves given Bauer's reputation.
How the Braves Replace Spencer Strider
While Bauer may not be the solution, the Braves need to find some form of replacement for Strider, who could be out for the rest of the season. Surgery is still an option for Strider and he might miss the remainder of the season.
Luckily, the Braves have a good number of starting pitchers to choose from.
Starting pitcher Bryce Elder, who was an All-Star starter in 2023, didn't start the season in the team's rotation. He's the most likely option to replace Strider.
Ian Anderson and A.J. Smith-Shawver have both pitched as starting pitchers in Major League Baseball.
Anderson had a record of 9-5 with a 3.58 ERA in 2021.
In 2021, Anderson had a record of 9-5 with a 3.58 ERA and pitched for the Braves during the postseason as they won the World Series. Hurston Waldrep and Huascar Ynoa are other starting pitchers who could step in for Strider and support the Braves. Last year,
Strider had a record of 20-5 with a 3.86 ERA. He led the MLB with 281 strikeouts in 186.2 innings.
David O'Brien of The Athletic believes there's no chance the Atlanta Braves will sign Trevor Bauer as a replacement for Spencer Strider. Strider went 20-5 with a 3.86 ERA. He led the MLB with 281 strikeouts in 186.2 innings.
