The Atlanta Braves are willing to make right-hander Spencer Strider available in a trade, and that possibility nearly became reality at the 2026 MLB trade deadline. A deal involving Strider was reportedly on the table, but it ultimately fell apart. Now, as the 2026 regular season approaches its final weeks, Strider's current situation — and the money still owed to him in 2027 and beyond — could shape his future with Atlanta.

Back in July, the Texas Rangers and Atlanta Braves reached an agreement that would have sent Jacob deGrom to Atlanta and Spencer Strider to Texas, according to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com. However, deGrom exercised his no-trade protection and blocked the deal, leaving the two sides without an agreement.

That development opened the door to the possibility that Strider, once viewed as one of the Braves' most important young aces, could eventually find himself pitching for another organization.

For now, the right-hander remains on the injured list after dealing with inflammation in his right elbow since mid-June, according to the Braves' official roster information on MLB.com. His injury status adds another layer of uncertainty to a situation already complicated by his contract and the significant salaries Atlanta would be responsible for in the coming seasons.

How is Spencer Strider's contract structured?

Strider reached an agreement with the Atlanta Braves before becoming eligible for salary arbitration. The deal covered seven seasons and was valued at $75 million, giving Atlanta cost certainty on a pitcher who had quickly established himself as one of the most dominant arms in the organization.

At the time, the contract represented a significant investment in a pitcher with considerable upside. But injuries have since complicated those plans, leaving the Braves with a highly paid player who is currently sidelined and still owed substantial money over the next several years.

• 2023 salary: $1 million
• 2024 salary: $1 million
• 2025 salary: $4 million
• 2026 salary: $20 million
• 2027 salary: $22 million
• 2028 salary: $22 million
• 2029 salary: $22 million club option, with a $5 million buyout
  Total guaranteed: $75 million

Contract figures verified through Spotrac.

With that financial commitment in place, Strider's future remains difficult to project. His injury also makes a return to the 2026 MLB season unlikely.

Barrett Sallee, host of 680 The Fan, recently provided an update after speaking with Braves bench coach Walt Weiss, who indicated that Strider is not expected to return this season.

“(…) Walt Weiss tells us that it is unlikely that Spencer Strider will be back this year.”

That uncertainty could ultimately influence Atlanta's decision-making this offseason. Spencer Strider still possesses the type of talent that can make him an attractive trade target, but interested teams would also have to accept the risk associated with his injury history and contract.

Here are three teams that could make sense as potential destinations for Strider in 2027.

3 teams that could trade for Spencer Strider in 2027

• Texas Rangers

The Texas Rangers already have a direct connection to Strider after their discussions with Atlanta nearly resulted in a trade during the 2026 season. Although the deal never materialized, the fact that the two organizations reached that stage suggests there was legitimate interest on both sides.

A report on the proposed deal highlighted the trade discussions between Atlanta and Texas, and those talks could provide a foundation for another conversation this offseason.

The Rangers have continued to look for ways to strengthen their starting rotation, particularly with high-end arms capable of changing the complexion of a postseason staff. Strider's health will obviously be a major factor, but Texas has already shown a willingness to consider the circumstances surrounding the right-hander.

If Atlanta decides to move him, the Rangers could once again emerge as one of the most logical trade partners.

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• Boston Red Sox

Between 2022 and 2023, Strider struck out nearly 500 hitters while holding opponents to a batting average just above .200, according to Baseball Reference. Those numbers illustrate the level of dominance he has shown when healthy.

That track record alone could be enough to keep him on the radar of the Boston Red Sox, particularly if the organization continues searching for impact pitching with swing-and-miss ability.

With Garrett Crochet dealing with an injury, while Sonny Gray and Ranger Suárez provide experience at the front of Boston's rotation, Strider could represent an intriguing long-term addition. The risk would be obvious, but so would the potential reward if he can return to his previous form.

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• San Francisco Giants

The San Francisco Giants could also emerge as an interesting landing spot for Strider.

Pitching at Oracle Park can be particularly attractive to pitchers because of the ballpark's reputation as a difficult environment for hitters. For a pitcher coming off an extended injury absence, that could add another layer of appeal to a potential move to San Francisco.

Financially, the Giants also have some flexibility beyond the 2026 season. They could potentially absorb roughly $45 million owed to Strider across 2027 and 2028 while giving him time to regain his form and establish himself again on the mound.

For Atlanta, moving Strider would mean shedding a significant future commitment. For San Francisco, the gamble would be whether a healthy Strider can once again become the frontline starter he was before the injuries.

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Spencer Strider's advanced metrics remained encouraging in 2026

Strider made just eight starts in 2026, but his underlying performance offered some encouraging signs before his elbow injury interrupted his season.

His velocity, in particular, remained relatively stable. According to Baseball Savant, his four-seam fastball averaged 95.1 mph, while his slider averaged 84.0 mph. Both pitches remained in line with the velocity he showed during the 2025 season.

His swing-and-miss numbers were also encouraging. Strider posted an 18.3% whiff rate with his fastballs and a 39.8% whiff rate with his slider, reinforcing the idea that his raw stuff remained effective despite the limited workload.

The circumstances surrounding Strider are difficult to ignore. His elbow injury, uncertain return timeline and contract make him a complicated trade candidate. But the underlying talent is still there.

If he can return healthy, any team willing to assume the risk could be acquiring a pitcher with the stuff and track record to once again become a difference-maker in an MLB rotation.