Elder began playing baseball as a child, but stopped to focus on golf by his fifth grade year, to free up his weekends from travel team baseball activities. As a freshman atDecatur High School inDecatur, Texas, Elder considered returning to baseball, but the coach at the time would not permit Elder to play two spring season sports. A new baseball coach, hired before Elder's sophomore season, agreed to Elder's request to play baseball and golf.[1][2] Elder also played basketball. After graduating from high school, Elder playedcollege baseball at theUniversity of Texas at Austin, and was 10-6 with a 3.42 ERA.[3] In 2019, he playedcollegiate summer baseball with theWareham Gatemen of theCape Cod Baseball League.[4][5]
Elder made his professional debut in 2021 with theRome Braves and was promoted to the Double-AMississippi Braves and the Triple-AGwinnett Stripers during the season.[9] On July 10, 2021, Elder threw a combined no-hitter withDaysbel Hernandez.[10][11] Over 25 starts between the three teams, Elder went 11–5 with a 2.75 ERA and 155 strikeouts over137+2⁄3 innings.[12][13]
On April 12, 2022, Elder was selected to the 40-man roster and promoted to the major leagues for the first time to make a spot start. He faced theWashington Nationals that night, pitching5+2⁄3 innings, and earned a win.[14][15] He was optioned to the Gwinnett Stripers on May 1.[16] He was recalled on August 13 to face theMiami Marlins in another spot start the next day.[17][18] On September 26, Elder threw a complete-game shutout against the Washington Nationals, becoming the first Braves' rookie pitcher to do so sincePaul Marak during the 1990 season.[19][20] For the 2022 regular season, he pitched 54 innings to a 2–4 record with a 3.17 ERA.
In 2023, after impressive spring training performances byJared Shuster andDylan Dodd, Elder was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett to begin the regular season.[21] After one start in Triple-A, he was called up to make his season debut on April 5, which he won.[22] At midseason, Elder was selected for the first time as a reserve starting pitcher for the National League in the2023 Major League Baseball All-Star Game.[23]
In 2024, Elder began the season in Triple-A Gwinnett after not being able to secure the fifth spot in the Braves rotation.[24] On April 22, Elder was called up to the Braves' roster to replaceDarius Vines.[25][26] In 10 starts for Atlanta, he struggled to a 2-5 record and 6.52 ERA with 46 strikeouts across49+2⁄3 innings pitched.
Elder was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett to begin the 2025 season.[27] He was recalled on March 31 in place ofReynaldo López.[28]
