Spencer Strider has now taken out two of John Smoltz’ strikeout records by earning his 281st strikeout of the season last night. It appears the young righty is on his way to becoming the greatest strikeout pitcher in Braves history.

Atlanta Braves‘ starting pitcher Spencer Strider etched his name into the franchise history books by breaking the long-standing strikeout record. Strider secured his 20th win in a solid performance against the Washington Nationals.

Strider (20-5) whiffed seven Nationals in five innings of work.

The 24-year-old fireballer notched an incredible 281 strikeouts in the 2023 season, surpassing the previous franchise record of 276 set by legendary pitcher John Smoltz back in 1996.

Last season, Strider struck out 16 Rockies in a game and claimed the franchise crown for most K’s in a single game. The record was previously held by John Smoltz. John Smoltz’s record was 15 and was the most in Braves history in a nine-inning game. Warren Spahn holds the all-time record with 18 strikeouts in a game, but he needed 15-innings to complete the feat.

So now, Spencer Strider has taken two major strikeout records from John Smoltz. He is on his way to becoming the best strikeout pitcher in Braves history.

Strider finished the season with a 3.86 ERA, 20 wins, 281 SO, 1.09 WHIP, 186.2 IP, and 32 starts. He will get some Cy Young recognition and should be a favorite heading into next year.

For now, the Braves are focused on the NLDS. Strider and Max Fried will look to co-ace the team through the second-round of the postseason without Charlie Morton.