The Atlanta Braves are hoping for another year of regular-season dominance.
That is always the first step to chasing a World Championship.
Atlanta has been one of the best regular-season teams in the sport over the past six seasons.
They have won the NL East for six consecutive years and are coming off back-to-back 100-win seasons.
But, their inability to perform in the last two playoffs has been glaring.
One player who will have a significant impact on their World Series hopes is starting pitcher Spencer Strider.
He has been named the Braves’ Opening Day starter, per the team on Twitter.
Your 2024 Opening Day Starter: Spencer Strider. #BravesCountry pic.twitter.com/hpwUad1AGu
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) March 19, 2024
Strider is one of the best pitchers in baseball and an early favorite for NL Cy Young.
Right out of the gate, the Braves will take on the Philadelphia Phillies.
The Phillies are the main challenger to the Braves for the division title.
Strider has had some rough performances against the Phillies over the last two playoffs.
But, the Braves are hoping this season will be different.
Strider has dominated spring training and seems poised for a monster season.
What separates him from other pitchers is his strikeout stuff.
More than likely he will lead baseball in strikeouts again this year.
For the Braves to have a chance to win the World Series, they need Strider to be the best pitcher in baseball.
Last season, he finished with an ERA of 3.86.
Most Cy Young-caliber pitchers will not have an ERA that high.
Strider is entering his age-25 season and is poised to have his best one yet.
NEXT: Braves Top Initial Set Of 2024 Rankings