Former Clemson Tiger Spencer Strider was named The Sporting News National League (NL) Rookie of the Year on Thursday following his first full season with the Atlanta Braves in 2022.
Strider earned the honor following a historic rookie season for the Braves where he became the fastest pitcher in MLB history to reach 200 strikeouts in a single season, surpassing Hall of Famer Randy Johnson (2001).
In his first full season in Atlanta, the right-hander recorded a 2.67 ERA with an 11-5 record and 202 strikeouts through 31 game appearances and 20 starts. Coming into the 2022 season, Strider quickly transitioned from a bullpen role to a key starter for the Braves’ rotation, bringing a nasty triple-digit fastball and slider combination that have played a big part in Strider’s success on the mound for Atlanta.