Analyst Recommends Braves Trade for $75M Ace to Fill Gap Left by Strider’s Injury
With Spencer Strider sidelined yet again, one MLB analyst is urging the Atlanta Braves to pursue a high-profile replacement. Strider, who made a brief return from UCL surgery on April 16, was placed back on the injured list after just one start due to a hamstring strain. Now, Zach Pressnell of Newsweek believes the Braves should target St. Louis Cardinals ace Sonny Gray in a potential trade.
“Although this injury may not seem major, Strider is expected to miss multiple starts,” Pressnell wrote. “Hamstring injuries can linger, and it’s unclear when he’ll be 100% again. With that uncertainty, the Braves should seriously consider making a big move for a starting pitcher.”
Pressnell pointed to Sonny Gray as the ideal option, praising his consistency and elite performance over recent seasons. Despite often flying under the radar, Gray has quietly become one of the most reliable arms in the league. The veteran right-hander is in year two of a three-year, $75 million deal with the Cardinals and would bring stability to a Braves rotation that needs help now.
Gray has posted a 3-0 record with a 3.41 ERA over five starts in 2025 and is a three-time All-Star. With Atlanta off to a rocky 10-14 start, Pressnell argues they can’t afford to fall further behind in the playoff race and must act fast.
Strider Vows Quick Comeback Despite Setback
Strider, who had been eager to return to action, expressed frustration about the timing of the injury.
“It’s incredibly frustrating,” Strider said. “I feel like I’ve done nothing to contribute to this team for a year. I was finally ready to get back and help us win, and now I’m sidelined again. I’m doing everything I can to return as quickly as possible.”
Strider admitted he doesn’t fully understand how the injury occurred but suspects it may be linked to the long layoff from pitching.
“The body needs routine. Pitching is intense, and I hadn’t done it consistently for over a year. Maybe I just wasn’t fully reconditioned,” he added.
Despite the setback, there’s some optimism from Braves manager Brian Snitker. Strider’s MRI showed a Grade 1 strain—the mildest type—so there’s hope for a relatively quick return.
“This is probably the best news we could’ve gotten given the situation,” Snitker said.
Still, with the Braves at the bottom of the NL East, the pressure is mounting. Acquiring a dependable arm like Gray might be just what Atlanta needs to steady the ship.