Why Spencer Schwellenbach is turning into an ace

Why Spencer Schwellenbach is turning into an ace

While the slide isn’t expected to last, the Atlanta Braves entered Thursday tied with the Colorado Rockies and Chicago White Sox for the worst record in MLB at 2-9.

Spencer Schwellenbach, who’s been the model of consistency since making his debut last spring, toed the slab for the Braves Thursday against the Phillies. He tossed another gem, throwing six innings of one-run ball while striking out five.

The Braves were able to capitalize behind Marcell Ozuna’s walk-off homer in extra innings. It was a much-needed win, though it was another sign that the 24-year-old is not only continuing to break out, but potentially entering a tier that few can say.

2025 NL East Breakout Stars

Spencer Schwellenbach is becoming an ace:

Baseball can lend plenty of unexpected–and unlucky–results, though it can also provide the inverse. You can only control what you can control.

For Schwellenbach, he’s done exactly that. Since making his debut last May, you’d be hard-pressed to find 10 better starting pitchers across MLB. In 24 career starts, he’s posted a 2.94 ERA with a 3.15 FIP and a 0.99 WHIP, striking out 146 batters in 143.2 innings.

The former second-round pick has been one of baseball’s top swing-and-miss artists, despite not possessing an elite high-riding fastball. He has six reliable pitches that he can turn to in any count, though he will pitch-platoon his splitter and curveball against LHBs and his sinker against righties.

Since making his debut, he’s No. 6 among qualified starters in strike-throwing, No. 9 in swinging-strike rate and No. 7 in CSW% (called strike + swinging strike rate). Schwellenbach’s also No. 13 in contact allowed on pitches outside of the strike zone, No. 20 in strikeout rate and No. 9 in strikeout-walk rate over that span.

If the 6-foot-1 starter can continue this pace, there’s no telling what his future may hold. He hasn’t even entered his physical prime yet, yet Schwellenbach’s already showcased why he should currently be heralded as one of MLB’s best starters.

Given Chris Sale’s older age and Reynaldo Lopez’s recent injury, the Braves are going to need exactly that–as well as the offense to wake up–if they want to climb back into the NL East race.

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