2022 has been extremely kind to Spencer Strider, and it’s always nice to see young stars reaching their goals and fulfilling their dreams.
The Atlanta Braves fireballer finished second in the National League Rookie of the Year Award voting, behind teammate Michael Harris II.
He had a fantastic season, posting a 2.67 ERA in 131.2 frames and striking out an incredible 202 hitters.
He could have competed for the Cy Young Award had he thrown more innings.
Oh, and if those weren’t enough reasons for celebration, Strider agreed to a six-year, $75 million deal that includes a $22 million option with a $5 million buyout for 2029.
All is set performance and financial-wise.
But he keeps generating news.
This time, he announced he will change his jersey number to a more…unconventional one.
“RHP Spencer Strider (@SpencerSTRIDer) switches from number 65 to number 99. First wearer in team history. #Braves (thanks to @grantmcauley),” MLB Jersey Numbers tweeted.
RHP Spencer Strider (@SpencerSTRIDer) switches from number 65 to number 99. First wearer in team history. #Braves (thanks to @grantmcauley) pic.twitter.com/WZdFg9uOtj
— MLB Jersey Numbers (@NumbersMLB) November 18, 2022
The First Player With Number 99 In Braves History
No one has ever worn number 99 in Braves history, so it will be another fun piece of data when we talk about Strider.
Some past and present players who have worn 99 are Jesus Aguilar, Todd Frazier, Todd Hundley, Aaron Judge, James Karinchak, Logan Morrison, Manny Ramirez, Hyun Jin Ryu, So Taguchi, Alex Verdugo, Taijuan Walker, Turk Wendell, and Mitch Williams.
No matter what number is on his back, Strider’s most impressive ones are his stats.
13.81 strikeouts per nine innings pitched was the highest mark among MLB starters, and his 1.83 Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP) is nothing short of amazing.
No starter in MLB has his kind of strikeout upside, and he will be a top-of-the-rotation stalwart for the Braves for years to come.
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