BRAVES ACE SPENCER STRIDER SIGNS MASSIVE EXTENSION* *FULL $5 MILLION SIGNING BONUS EARMARKED FOR CITY HOUSLESS INITIATIVE* *“THIS IS ABOUT GIVING BACK,” STRIDER SAYS AS HE UNVEILS….

The Atlanta Braves locked down one of baseball’s premier arms today, announcing that ace Spencer Strider has agreed to a massive multi-year contract extension. But the bigger headline came moments later: Strider revealed that 100 percent of his $5 million signing bonus will be donated to a new city homelessness initiative, a move that stunned the packed press room and drew immediate praise from civic leaders across Atlanta.

The program, called Stride Forward Atlanta, will partner with local nonprofits and the city’s Department of Community Development to expand emergency shelters, fund mental-health outreach teams, and accelerate the construction of transitional housing units. According to early estimates from city officials, Strider’s contribution will be the largest single private donation to homelessness relief in Atlanta this year.

“For me, this is about giving back,” Strider said during the press conference at Truist Park, standing alongside Atlanta Mayor Alicia Freeman and several community advocates. “Atlanta has embraced me since the day I arrived. Baseball is what I do, but helping people is who I want to be. If I’m in a position to help families get off the street and into safe, stable spaces, then that’s exactly what I should do.”

Mayor Freeman called the gesture “transformative,” noting that the city has struggled with rising homelessness amid increasing housing costs. “A commitment of this scale doesn’t just fund services — it inspires momentum,” she said. “Spencer’s leadership will ripple through our community.”

Braves manager Brian Snitker expressed pride in his star pitcher’s off-field priorities. “We all know what Spencer brings every fifth day,” Snitker said. “But what he’s doing for this city… that’s bigger than baseball. That’s the kind of person you hope your kids look up to.”

Team officials confirmed that the extension secures Strider through multiple prime years of his career, reflecting both his elite performance and the franchise’s long-term competitive vision. Yet for many Atlanta residents, the financial terms of the deal were overshadowed by the pitcher’s philanthropic announcement.

Strider emphasized that the donation is only the beginning. Stride Forward Atlanta will include volunteer programs led by Braves players and staff, seasonal fundraising drives, and a mentorship network for individuals transitioning into long-term housing.

“Baseball has given me a platform,” Strider said. “It’s on me to use it for something meaningful. If even one family sleeps in a safe bed tomorrow because of this, then it’s worth every cent.”

The new initiative is expected to begin distributing funds and launching programs in early spring, just as Strider takes the mound to begin his next chapter with the Braves — one defined not just by strikeouts, but by community impact.