As the offseason continues to unfold, one lingering question hangs over the Atlanta Braves: just how many more moves are left in the organization’s plans before spring training arrives? By most accounts, Atlanta has already taken meaningful steps to shore up areas that were exposed last season, addressing several key weaknesses with calculated efficiency. Still, the winter calendar has not yet run out, and there remains ample opportunity for the Braves to make at least one more significant addition that could further strengthen their roster.
At the center of these discussions is Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos, who has been transparent about his desire to add pitching depth before the offseason concludes. While Atlanta has already made notable improvements, Anthopoulos has openly suggested that another arm—particularly one capable of handling a starter’s workload—would be a welcome addition. The unresolved issue is whether the Braves are willing to commit the financial resources necessary to secure such a pitcher, especially if doing so requires a multi-year free-agent contract.
Historically, the Braves have been disciplined when it comes to long-term spending. The front office tends to prioritize sustainability, often opting for team-friendly extensions with homegrown talent rather than splashy free-agent deals. That approach has served Atlanta well, helping them remain competitive year after year without sacrificing financial flexibility. However, the landscape of the National League has grown increasingly unforgiving, and standing pat may not be enough in a conference loaded with powerhouse teams.
The National League arms race is in full swing, led by juggernauts such as the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Chicago Cubs, and the Philadelphia Phillies. Each of these clubs has shown a willingness to spend aggressively in pursuit of immediate contention, and that reality places additional pressure on Atlanta. While the Braves remain one of the most talented teams in baseball, depth—particularly in the starting rotation—can make the difference between a strong regular season and a deep postseason run.
That context is why recent speculation surrounding Atlanta has gained traction. One prominent projection suggests that the Braves could emerge as a landing spot for right-hander Lucas Giolito, one of the more recognizable names still associated with the starting pitching market. Giolito’s potential availability and skill set make him an intriguing fit for a team looking to stabilize its rotation without completely overhauling its payroll structure.
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Giolito represents a blend of upside and experience that could appeal to a club like Atlanta. At his best, he has shown the ability to anchor a rotation, offering durability and strikeout potential while handling high-leverage innings. For a Braves team with postseason aspirations, adding a pitcher of that caliber could provide both insurance and flexibility. Injuries and workload management are unavoidable over a long season, and having another proven starter could ease the burden on the rest of the staff.
Of course, the decision is not purely about on-field performance. Any pursuit of Giolito—or another top-tier starter—would require Atlanta to weigh financial considerations carefully. A multi-year commitment carries inherent risk, particularly for pitchers, whose effectiveness can fluctuate due to health or mechanical issues. Anthopoulos has built his reputation on avoiding deals that could hamper the team’s future, so any contract would likely need to align with the Braves’ long-term vision as much as their short-term ambitions.
There is also the question of internal options. The Braves have consistently developed pitching talent within their system, and the front office may feel confident that existing arms can step up if given the opportunity. Younger pitchers often provide cost-controlled upside, and Atlanta has not been shy about trusting its player development pipeline. Still, relying too heavily on internal depth can be risky when the stakes are as high as they are in the current National League environment.
Ultimately, the remainder of the Braves’ offseason may hinge on how aggressive they choose to be in response to their competition. If the goal is simply to remain competitive, Atlanta may feel comfortable entering the season with its current roster. If, however, the objective is to maximize their chances of outlasting elite rivals deep into October, then adding another established starter could prove decisive.
For now, the question remains unanswered. Anthopoulos and the Braves front office continue to evaluate the market, balancing cost, performance, and long-term strategy. Whether that process results in a bold signing like Lucas Giolito or a more conservative move, one thing is clear: Atlanta is not done thinking about how to position itself for another run at the top of the National League.
Should the Braves Target Lucas Giolito?
Among the remaining starting pitchers still available, Lucas Giolito does not command the same level of attention as higher-profile arms like Framber Valdez, Zac Gallen, or Chris Bassitt. Even so, Giolito represents an intriguing opportunity for teams seeking rotation help without paying a premium price. While he may not be viewed as a frontline ace at this stage of his career, his combination of experience, upside, and relative affordability could make him one of the more appealing value plays on the pitching market.
Recently, FanSided writer Chris Landers floated the idea of Giolito landing with the Atlanta Braves, a destination that makes sense on several levels. The Braves have built a reputation for blending youth with veteran stability, particularly in their pitching staff, and Giolito could fit neatly into that model. He may not arrive with the expectations of a Cy Young contender, but he brings qualities that teams like Atlanta often value when rounding out a rotation.
Giolito’s recent track record, however, is not without question marks. Injuries have become a central part of the conversation surrounding his future. He opened the 2025 season behind schedule as he continued to recover from elbow surgery, and just as he seemed to be finding his footing, another elbow issue prematurely ended his year. These health concerns inevitably raise red flags for front offices, especially when committing multiple years to a pitcher in his late twenties or early thirties. Durability, once a strength of Giolito’s profile, is now something teams must carefully weigh.
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In addition to the injury risk, Giolito’s on-field performance has shown some signs of decline compared to his peak years. Most notably, his ability to miss bats dipped last season. Strikeout rates that once placed him among the more dominant pitchers in the league have leveled off, leading evaluators to wonder whether his raw stuff has permanently regressed or if the lingering effects of injury simply limited his effectiveness. For pitchers, especially those who rely heavily on command and pitch mix rather than overpowering velocity alone, even small declines can have outsized impacts on results.
That said, there are reasons for optimism. Another full year removed from surgery often makes a significant difference for pitchers recovering from elbow issues. With more time to rebuild strength, refine mechanics, and regain confidence, Giolito could reasonably expect to rediscover some of the sharpness that defined his better seasons. Even if he never fully returns to his previous peak, incremental improvements could still make him a reliable mid-rotation arm. For a contending team, that level of contribution can be extremely valuable.
Beyond the raw numbers, Giolito also offers intangible benefits. He is a seasoned veteran who has pitched in high-pressure situations and understands the grind of a long major league season. For a roster that includes several young, controllable arms, having someone with Giolito’s experience can be beneficial both on and off the field. He can help shoulder innings, stabilize the rotation during rough stretches, and provide guidance to younger pitchers still learning how to navigate big-league lineups consistently.
From a contractual standpoint, the situation becomes even more interesting. Projections around the league suggest Giolito could command a deal in the range of three years and roughly $61 million. For some teams, that price tag might feel steep given the injury history and recent performance trends. For Atlanta, however, it could represent a calculated gamble. The Braves have successfully locked up much of their young core at team-friendly rates, giving them financial flexibility to pursue targeted additions without compromising long-term stability.
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Such a contract would also align with Giolito’s own incentives. While some speculate he might prefer a shorter, one-year “prove-it” deal to rebuild his value, a multi-year offer provides security and confidence from the organization. If he performs well, Atlanta benefits from locking in a quality starter at a reasonable average annual value. If injuries or inconsistency persist, the deal is not so large that it cripples their payroll or limits future moves.
In the end, Giolito may not headline the remaining free-agent class, but his situation underscores how value can often be found outside the biggest names. For a team like Atlanta, which consistently looks for smart, efficient ways to bolster its roster, taking a chance on a veteran starter with upside makes a great deal of sense. If Giolito’s health cooperates and his stuff rebounds even partially, he could prove to be one of the more impactful under-the-radar signings of the offseason.
What Does Lucas Giolito Bring to a Rotation?
Atlanta’s starting rotation is already in a fairly strong position, so the organization is not under heavy pressure to land a true ace-level pitcher. With established arms like Chris Sale and Spencer Schwellenbach anchoring the staff, the Braves can afford to be strategic rather than desperate when evaluating additional pitching options. Their need is less about star power at the top and more about stability, depth, and reliability across the full grind of a long season.
That context is what makes Lucas Giolito such an intriguing possibility. Atlanta doesn’t need him to be “the guy” or to carry the rotation on his shoulders. Instead, Giolito would slide in comfortably as a third or fourth starter, complementing younger or less proven arms such as Grant Holmes and Hurston Waldrep. In that role, his experience and track record could quietly become one of the most important factors in keeping the rotation afloat over the course of a full season.
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Giolito’s recent history adds an interesting layer to the conversation. After losing the entire 2024 campaign to injury, there were legitimate questions about what kind of pitcher he would be upon returning. Rather than fading into the background, he answered many of those concerns during the 2025 season with the Boston Red Sox. In 26 starts, he delivered a strong and efficient performance, posting a 3.41 ERA while logging more than 140 innings. That workload alone carried value, particularly for a pitcher coming off a lost year, but the quality of those innings mattered just as much.
His 2025 season suggested that he still has the ability to navigate lineups multiple times and keep his team competitive on a regular basis. While he may no longer be viewed as a perennial Cy Young contender, Giolito demonstrated that he can be dependable, professional, and steady—traits that often matter more than raw upside for teams with championship aspirations. For a club like Atlanta, which already has high-end talent at the top, that dependability could be exactly what they’re missing.
Another key factor is the current uncertainty surrounding Giolito’s future in Boston. At this stage, it appears increasingly unlikely that the Red Sox will bring him back, which opens the door for other contenders to explore a deal. That scenario creates a potential buying opportunity for Atlanta. Rather than overpaying for an elite starter on the open market, the Braves could target Giolito as a cost-effective solution who still brings meaningful value to the rotation.
From Atlanta’s perspective, the appeal goes beyond just his performance metrics. Over the last several seasons, injuries have had a way of testing the Braves’ pitching depth. Even when a rotation looks solid on paper, attrition over a 162-game season can quickly expose weaknesses. If similar injury issues arise again in 2026, the lack of experienced, innings-eating starters could ripple through the entire roster, forcing bullpen overuse and placing added stress on younger pitchers who may not yet be ready for expanded roles.
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This is where adding someone like Giolito could pay dividends. A pitcher capable of delivering 100 or more innings as a starter provides more than just box-score value. He helps stabilize the schedule, allows managers to plan more effectively, and reduces the likelihood of emergency call-ups or bullpen games that can tax a staff over time. Simply put, having one more reliable option can make life easier for everyone in the organization, from the coaching staff to the front office.
Atlanta has already made several smart additions to its pitching staff this winter, showing a clear commitment to protecting its championship window. However, depth is rarely something teams regret investing in, especially when the cost is reasonable and the upside is clear. Giolito fits that mold as a pitcher who doesn’t need to be overused or overexposed but can be trusted to take the ball every fifth day and keep the team competitive.
In the end, pursuing Giolito wouldn’t be about chasing headlines or making a splashy move. It would be about reinforcing an already strong foundation and insulating the team against the unpredictability that inevitably comes with a long season. For a Braves organization with postseason expectations, adding a proven starter who can quietly shoulder innings could be the type of move that doesn’t grab attention in March—but proves invaluable by October.
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