ATLANTA — As the baseball world waits to see how Spencer Strider might be used during the National League Division Series, the Braves announced on Monday that they have given the rookie sensation a contract extension that could keep him in Atlanta through at least 2028.
Strider agreed to a six-year, $75 million deal that includes a $22 million option with a $5 million buyout for 2029. The 23-year-old right-hander has pitched just two seasons above the collegiate level, but his incredible rookie season gave Atlanta confidence to make this commitment.
“My goal is always to outperform any expectations,” Strider said. “There’s nobody that has higher aspirations or expectations for performance than myself. And so in that way, I don’t feel any pressure. The expectation is that I outperform any contract I ever sign.”
Strider burst on the scene this year as he posted a 2.67 ERA with 202 strikeouts over 31 appearances (20 starts), becoming the first Braves rookie in the Modern Era to have a 200-strikeout season. He also became the first MLB pitcher to record 200 strikeouts and allow fewer than 100 hits.
Although Strider missed his regular season’s final two weeks with a left oblique strain, the Braves are hopeful he will be available to pitch against the Phillies in the NLDS, which begins Tuesday afternoon. But given he hasn’t made a start for a few weeks, his role would likely be limited to serve as an opener or a reliever.
Strider will make $1 million each of the next two seasons and $4 million in 2025. His salary will jump to $20 million in ’26 and then rise to $22 million for both of the next two seasons. If his option is exercised, the deal will be worth $92 million over seven years.
“I’m just excited that there’s some security in knowing I’ll be here with these guys in this clubhouse,” Strider said. “And go out and keep doing what we’ve been doing.”
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