There aren’t many positive storylines for the Atlanta Braves in the early stages of the 2025 campaign, but the emergence of Spencer Schwellenbach is a shining bright light.

In the only win of the season, Schwellenbach notched 10 strikeouts and allowed just two hits over a career-high eight innings. He had a perfect game going into the fifth inning, which was broken up by a weak single, one of only two hits allowed on the night.

Through two games, the youngster has thrown 14 innings of no-run ball with 14 strikeouts. He’s boasting a 0.00 ERA, 0.29 WHIP, and .068 batting average against. The velocity is up a tick, and he features a legit six-pitch mix to bode with a sense of confidence you don’t see from a kid after just 23 major league starts, which is the most exciting aspect of Spencer Schwellenbach’s emergence — his inexperience.

Schwellenbach did not pitch in Atlanta’s system the first year out of college and only threw 65 innings in 2023. He then only threw 45 innings in the minors last year before his promotion to the big leagues. His overall line in 2024 wasn’t eye-popping, but in his final 12 starts, he posted a 2.47 ERA, including a 7.0 inning, one-run gem against the Mets in his final appearance.

In the second half of last season, Spencer Schwellenbach had a BB% of 4.2, which was better than Tarik Skubal. A K% of 27.5, which was better than Jack Flaherty. A FIP of 3.20, which was better than Gerrit Cole, and a WHIP of .97, which was better than Paul Skenes.

That success has carried over into 2025. I said it last August, and it’ll be put to the test this season: Spencer Schwellenbach’s ascent will soften the blow of Max Fried’s departure. It’s not crazy to say Schwellenbach could be the Braves’ best pitcher in 2025. He might just be scratching the surface of what’s attainable.