(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
The Atlanta Braves have been far and away the best team in baseball this year.
Not only do they have one of the most impressive lineups in recent memory, but they have a strong pitching staff as well.
Their staff starts with NL Cy Young candidate Spencer Strider.
He has elite stuff and is the best strikeout pitcher in baseball.
In 162 innings this year, Strider has struck out 250 batters.
He is trying to become the first pitcher since 2019 to strike out 300 batters in a season.
According to MLB, Strider would be the first pitcher since Gerrit Cole and Justin Verlander in 2019 to strike out 300.
.@SpencerSTRIDer is the first pitcher to 250 strikeouts this season.
Will he become the first pitcher to strike out 300 since Gerrit Cole and Justin Verlander in 2019?
(MLB x @SageUSAmerica) pic.twitter.com/uqqRj1lH7L
— MLB (@MLB) September 7, 2023
Strider also leads the National League in wins (16), Fielding Independent Pitching (2.89), and strikeouts per nine (13.9).
In just three big-league seasons, Strider has established himself as one of the best in the sport.
He will play a large role in how far the Braves can go in the playoffs.
Despite his dominant strikeout stuff, Strider tends to get hit around on occasion.
His 3.83 ERA is not one you would normally see from a Cy Young candidate.
That could be what holds him back from ultimately winning the award.
If Strider can hold up in the playoffs, the Braves have a great shot to play in the World Series.
Last year, Strider got hit around against the Philadelphia Phillies in the NLDS, which sent the Braves home early.
Atlanta has been the best team all season long so if they cannot make it to the World Series this year, that would be a major disappointment.
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