The Latest Breaking News from Spencer Strider

There was a time when I wondered whether we ever would see the 2019 version of Ronald Acuña Jr. again. He’d been very good since then, but I’m talking about the Acuña who put up MVP-level production over an entire season. The start of the pandemic in 2020 and power-and-speed…

This man is an inspiration.

ATLANTA — My lasting memory of the 2022 Braves: Standing in the visiting clubhouse in Philadelphia while Dansby Swanson, moisture in his eyes, declared the whole season a failure. In that moment, the 101 wins and fifth straight National League East title didn’t matter much to Swanson. They’d became irrelevant…

On opening day, every team is 0-0. Fans all around the sport have optimism. Nothing has happened yet, so anything can happen.

ATLANTA — ESPN ranks eight Braves among MLB’s top 74 players. Ronald Acuna is No. 14, Ozzie Albies No. 74. In between come Austin Riley, Max Fried, Michael Harris, Spencer Strider, Matt Olson and Sean Murphy. That’s two pitchers, one catcher, three infielders and two outfielders. That’s what you’d call…

NORTH PORT, Fla. — The Braves’ rotation could be a strength, perhaps even among the best in MLB, with multiple Cy Young candidates. It could also be a bit shaky, with various outcomes that could lead the Braves to pursue external help by July.

NORTH PORT, Fla. — Michael Soroka (“Michael” is his preference, now) reported to spring training, but is not a full go.

The idea is simple: When you have a great starting rotation, you have a chance to win every night. It’s a relatively reliable path to piling up victories.

For outsiders like us – yes, even those who cover the sport – it can be difficult to correctly discern the talent and impact of a certain member of a front office. Tons of factors, and many that we don’t see, go into those jobs.