Braves’ Schwellenbach Shines Early, Extension Talks Begin

ATLANTA, GA – Spencer Schwellenbach of the Atlanta Braves has made a stunning start to the 2025 season, throwing 14 scoreless innings across two starts. The 24-year-old right-handed pitcher has achieved an impressive 14-to-1 strikeout-to-walk ratio and a groundball rate of 60%, showcasing his potential as a key player in the Braves’ rotation amid early-season struggles.

In his two outings, Schwellenbach has yet to allow a run and has shown remarkable control, not facing a runner in scoring position. His +9 pitching run value, according to Baseball Savant, is the best in Major League Baseball, with five of his six pitches producing positive run values. Despite the small sample size, his performance has garnered attention both from fans and within the Braves’ front office.

“You can’t ignore what he’s done so far,” said Braves’ manager Brian Snitker. “He’s got the poise of a veteran and the skill set that translates really well at this level.”

Prior to this season, Schwellenbach had an impressive spring training, striking out 28 batters in 21 innings with a 3.00 ERA. In his rookie season, he posted a 3.35 ERA over 21 starts, earning a respectable 2.6 FanGraphs WAR. His minor league stats are equally impressive, with a 2.21 ERA across 24 starts at different levels from 2023 to 2024.

Currently, the Braves are assessing their pitching rotation, especially as they navigate injuries to key players. The team’s ace, 36-year-old Charlie Morton, remains a pillar but has shown signs of being injury-prone. The absence of other young talents in the rotation, such as Kyle Wright, underscores the need for reliability in their starting lineup, making Schwellenbach indispensable.

“Having him in the mix is critical for us moving forward, especially with the slow start we’ve had,” Snitker added.

As discussions about contract extensions begin to heat up, the Braves have a history of locking down young talent early. In recent years, the organization has extended several players with limited MLB service time, like Spencer Strider and Michael Harris II. Given Schwellenbach’s rapid ascent, it raises the question of when, not if, the Braves will pursue a long-term deal.

“We’ve seen what the front office has done before. They don’t hesitate when it comes to talented young players,” said a source close to the team, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. “If he keeps pitching like this, they’ll want to secure him sooner rather than later.”

There are concerns about the Braves’ caution with pitchers, especially considering past failures to extend arms that had promising starts. Notably, the Braves did not extend two-time All-Star Freddie Freeman, who ultimately departed for the Yankees this past offseason.

“There’s always a risk when extending pitchers, but Schwellenbach’s potential makes him different,” the source added. “And if they wait too long, they might miss out on favorable terms.”

Projected comparisons to recent pitching extensions also come into play. Following Strider’s deal in 2022, the Braves have successfully managed their young pitchers while cautious about potential injuries. Should Schwellenbach continue his current form, industry expectations suggest he could command a contract in the range of six years valued at $54 million or more.

With the Braves sitting at 2-8 early in the season, extending Schwellenbach could shore up the rotation and provide the team with future financial security. Braves fans remain optimistic as the situation develops, particularly with Schwellenbach’s rising star in combination with the franchise’s commitment to fostering homegrown talent.