Some things in MLB’s 2023 season might be considered surprising.
Perhaps the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Arizona Diamondbacks being competent, the Detroit Tigers’ Javier Baez seemingly forgetting how to hit, or the immaculate start by the Tampa Bay Rays.
However, seeing Atlanta Braves young starter Spencer Strider and new Texas Rangers ace Jacob deGrom leading the league in strikeouts certainly surprises no one.
Your current MLB strikeout leaders 🗒️
Jacob deGrom ➕ Spencer Strider pic.twitter.com/4rN3rhbDwT
— Bally Sports: Braves (@BravesOnBally) April 13, 2023
Each righty has made three starts and average nine strikeouts per outing.
Strider introduced himself to MLB hitters last year, by striking out an incredible 202 in 131.2 innings.
That was good for 13.81 punchouts per nine innings, and a 38.3 percent strikeout rate.
It’s still very early in 2023, but Strider looks once again ready to be the Braves’ ace and to dominate opposing hitters with his high-octane fastball.
So far, in his three starts, his strikeout rate is up to 40.9 percent, which would be an increase on last year’s already crazy number.
The Braves are going places this year: they won the NL East last year in part thanks to Strider, and are poised to compete with the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies for the top spot again.
If Strider can replicate his 2022 performance, the Braves will be in a really good position to repeat as NL East champions.
He had a 2.67 ERA and finished second in the race for the National League Rookie of the Year award, behind his teammate Michael Harris II.
If deGrom can somehow stay in one piece and Strider can do the same, they would be the smart choices to lead their respective leagues in strikeouts once everything is said and done.
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