The Atlanta Braves were active early in the offseason, making several notable moves before things slowed once they secured most of their primary targets. All things considered, it’s been a productive offseason, but general manager Alex Anthopoulos has made it clear the team remains open to adding another starting pitcher if the right opportunity presents itself.
“We’ve looked into bolstering the starting rotation, whether through a trade or free agency,” Anthopoulos said. “Ideally, it would be someone impactful—someone we believe could start a playoff game.”
After missing the postseason for the first time in years, the Braves are focused on rebounding. FanSided’s Chris Landers suggests that signing Lucas Giolito could play a major role in that turnaround.
“If everyone is healthy, the Braves could field an impressive rotation in 2026,” Landers wrote. “The issue is uncertainty—between Spencer Strider, Spencer Schwellenbach, Chris Sale, Reynaldo López, and Grant Holmes, it’s hard to know who will be available and for how long. Even with depth arms like Hurston Waldrep, Bryce Elder, and Joey Wentz in the mix, Atlanta could still use a reliable starter to stabilize things. Giolito fits that mold. He does carry injury risk, having returned late in 2025 from elbow surgery and finishing the season early with another issue, and his strikeout numbers weren’t what they used to be. Still, another year removed from surgery could help him rediscover his form.”
Despite those concerns, Giolito closed last season on a strong note, posting some of his best numbers in years.
“Over his final 10 starts beginning June 10, Giolito went 7–1 with a 2.03 ERA,” MLB.com’s Ian Browne noted. “Opponents hit just .194 against him during that stretch, with a .579 OPS.”
Adding Giolito would represent a calculated gamble for the Braves, but if he continues the momentum he showed late last season, he could become a valuable piece of the rotation. Anthopoulos has a strong track record of making these kinds of savvy moves, turning overlooked or discounted players into key contributors.
With an eye on both the immediate future and long-term rotation depth beyond 2026, a potential Giolito signing carries added importance. It’s the type of move that could generate real excitement among Braves fans as the new season draws closer.
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