After losing ace Max Fried to a record-breaking contract with the Yankees, the Braves find themselves looking for a new top pitcher. The answer? Spencer Schwellenbach. The young, promising right-hander has quietly built a case for himself to fill the large shoes Fried leaves behind, and his remarkable development is leaving fans with little room for doubt.
Schwellenbach’s Meteoric Rise: Filling a Big Gap
Max Fried’s departure leaves a significant gap in the Braves’ rotation. But Schwellenbach’s rise offers a promising glimpse into the future. Just a year ago, Schwellenbach was a work-in-progress, getting his feet wet in Atlanta’s system. He had some good moments, but nothing that screamed “future ace.” Fast forward to 2024, and the narrative has changed completely.
It was August when Schwellenbach’s breakout performance against the Phillies raised a few eyebrows. He struck out nine in 6.2 innings, allowing only two earned runs. That game alone underscored the growth he’d shown, trimming his ERA down to 3.94 for the season. While it didn’t seem like a flashy number, the underlying numbers painted a different picture.
His control was stellar, with 94 strikeouts and just 15 walks across 82.1 innings. This was a sign that Schwellenbach wasn’t just throwing heat; he was learning to pitch. And it only got better from there.
In his final 12 starts of the 2024 season, Schwellenbach posted a 2.47 ERA, showcasing the kind of consistency the Braves need from their next ace. His performance in his final start against the Mets — a seven-inning, one-run gem — epitomized the strides he’d made. Gone were the days of being a raw talent; Schwellenbach had become a reliable arm for the Braves down the stretch.
The Braves’ Confidence: A Long-Term Solution?
It’s easy to look at Schwellenbach’s rise as a flash in the pan, especially considering his limited professional innings. In fact, he only pitched 45 innings in the minors before his call-up to Atlanta. But that’s part of what makes his progress so impressive. Schwellenbach is already showing signs of being a frontline starter, and he’s doing it without the extensive track record most big-league pitchers have.
The Braves didn’t need him to step into Fried’s shoes overnight. But the early signs are incredibly encouraging. Schwellenbach finished the 2024 season with a 3.35 ERA, a 1.043 WHIP, and impressive strikeout numbers. His 2025 outlook is equally promising, as his pitch repertoire seems to have continued developing into something that could make him a long-term piece for Atlanta’s rotation.
There’s also something to be said for his mentality. Schwellenbach isn’t just a pitcher with a good arm; he’s someone who learns fast. The 24-year-old former second-round pick already has the confidence and composure necessary to succeed in a major-league rotation. This kind of maturity at a young age often separates potential aces from mere serviceable starters.
The Stats Don’t Lie: A Young Ace in the Making?
If you look closely at Schwellenbach’s numbers from 2024, you’ll see more than just decent stats. They’re numbers that suggest potential for something greater. Let’s break down some key stats from his season:
| Statistic | 2024 Value |
|---|---|
| ERA | 3.35 |
| FIP | 3.29 |
| SO/W | 5.52 |
| WHIP | 1.043 |
| Strikeouts | 123 |
| Walks | 27 |
Not only did Schwellenbach perform well, but he also did so with a strikingly low walk rate, something that can’t be overstated for a young pitcher. His control has improved drastically, allowing him to avoid giving hitters free passes while still maintaining an ability to miss bats.
His 5.52 strikeout-to-walk ratio, in particular, is an excellent indicator of his development. The best pitchers are often able to keep hitters off balance without relying on power alone, and Schwellenbach’s command of the strike zone fits that profile.
The Braves’ Future: Will Schwellenbach Be the Next Ace?
Of course, there are still many questions to be answered about Schwellenbach’s ability to step up long-term. Max Fried was the face of the Braves’ pitching staff for years, and filling that void is no easy task. But Schwellenbach has more than just raw potential; he’s shown he can perform at the highest level.
Braves fans are right to feel a bit of apprehension after losing Fried. But Schwellenbach’s performance in 2024 provides a sense of relief. As he enters the 2025 season, he could very well become the pitcher that takes the mantle from Fried, with a growing repertoire and a calm demeanor on the mound. The Braves’ pitching staff may have lost an ace, but with Schwellenbach, they may already have a new one waiting to emerge.
