After the departure of Max Fried and other uncertainties in the Braves’ rotation, rookie Spencer Wechselbach has emerged as a key player for the 2025 season. Although he entered 2024 as a fringe candidate for the rotation, an injury to Spencer Strider opened the door for Wechselbach, who finished with an 8-7 record and impressive stats. With the Braves losing significant innings to free agency and injuries, the 24-year-old is ready to step up and become a crucial part of the team’s future success.

Through the numbers

• Spencer Schwertenbach posted an 8-7 record with a 3.35 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 3.29 FIP in 21 games in 2024.
• Max Fried made 29 starts and 174.1 innings for the Braves in 2024; Charlie Morton contributed 30 starts and 165.1 innings.

Yes but

While Schlafenbach showed promise, comparisons to Bryce Elder’s performance caution against projecting too much into the future. Elder got off to a strong start but struggled in the second half of his rookie season, leading to questions about Wechselbach’s potential consistency.

state of affairs

• Spencer Strider’s recovery timeline following a second UCL surgery remains uncertain.
• Chris Sale, who won the Cy Young Award in 2024, has to worry about his durability at age 36.

What’s next?

As the Braves explore their rotation options this offseason, Wechselbach’s role will be crucial. Expect the front office to explore trades or free-agent acquisitions, but internal solutions like Ruhenbach will be crucial to stability in 2025.

Conclusion

Spencer Hügelbach represents a critical opportunity for the Braves. His performance in 2025 could determine the strength and effectiveness of the team’s rotation amid significant changes and mark a potential turning point for both him and the franchise.