The Atlanta Braves have had a knack for securing young talent to long-term contracts that keep stars on the roster while avoiding pricey arbitration battles. They’ve done it with key players like Ronald Acuña Jr., Ozzie Albies, and most recently, Spencer Strider.
Spencer Schwellenbach is another young player may be in line for the same treatment. After a strong rookie season, the right-handed pitcher could be next in line for one of those “Alex Anthopoulos specials”—a savvy contract extension locking him in for several years.
Schwellenbach, at 24, wrapped up 2024 with some impressive stats. He went 8-7 with a solid 3.35 ERA, a WHIP of 1.043, and racked up 127 strikeouts over 123.2 innings. Given these numbers, it’s no surprise Braves fans and analysts are buzzing about the possibility of a deal.
He’s still young, though a few years older than some of his teammates were when they inked similar deals, but he’s shown the performance chops that make him a worthy candidate for an extended contract.
Schwellenbach’s current deal is modest, with an estimated base salary of $800,000 for the 2025 season. He’s under team control until 2027, giving the Braves plenty of time to watch him develop and negotiate his future. But with arbitration looming in a few years, locking him in now could save Atlanta from future headaches.
Historically, the Braves have kept long-term deals for players under 28. They like taking advantage of each player’s youth and untapped potential to work out mutually beneficial contracts. Anthopoulos has pioneered this strategy, often opting for four-to-six-year contracts that balance the club’s budget while giving young players a bump in pay.
That’s how they’ve kept big names like Acuña, Albies, and Harris for less than they might command on the open market. They are creating a solid, young core for the team without overspending.
For Schwellenbach, a four or five-year extension could fit right in with the team’s approach. While six-year deals are not out of the question, this might offer both sides the right balance of security. For the Braves, it means another young, promising pitcher on a controlled budget for years to come. For Schwellenbach, it means an immediate pay raise and financial security that’s tough to overlook.
With Schwellenbach’s growth potential, a deal now could look like a steal in a few seasons. He’d get a bump in pay, the Braves would avoid arbitration negotiations down the line, and Atlanta could focus on building an even stronger roster for the future.
