Braves Reportedly Not Pursuing Free Agent Pitcher Lucas Giolito

Atlanta focused on internal options despite key pitching injuries

Feb. 21, 2026 at 7:47pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Atlanta Braves are not actively pursuing free agent pitcher Lucas Giolito, despite recent injuries to their starting rotation. The team remains confident in its internal options and has not felt pressed to make a significant addition before the start of the 2026 MLB season.

Why it matters

The Braves are looking to bounce back after missing the playoffs in 2025, and their pitching staff will be crucial to their success. While the loss of Spencer Schwellenbach to an elbow injury is a setback, the team appears committed to giving opportunities to their current roster rather than seeking an outside free agent.

The details

The Braves recently learned that starting pitcher Spencer Schwellenbach is expected to miss most of the first half of the 2026 season due to an elbow injury. This has led to speculation that the team could pursue free agent pitcher Lucas Giolito, who last played for the Boston Red Sox. However, according to a report from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the Braves have not been involved in Giolito's market and remain comfortable with their internal pitching options.

  • The 2026 MLB season is slated to begin on March 27.
  • Schwellenbach is expected to miss most of the first half of the 2026 season due to his elbow injury.

The players

Spencer Schwellenbach

A starting pitcher for the Atlanta Braves who is expected to miss most of the first half of the 2026 season due to an elbow injury.

Lucas Giolito

A free agent pitcher who last played for the Boston Red Sox and has been linked to the Braves in recent rumors.

Alex Anthopoulos

The general manager of the Atlanta Braves, who has not felt pressed to make a significant addition to the team's pitching staff despite the recent injury.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“There have been reports linking the Braves to free-agent starter Lucas Giolito, but any connection between the parties has been overstated, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution has learned. The Braves haven't been involved in Giolito's market.”

— Gabriel Burns, Reporter

“...the team remains comfortable with its internal options and hasn't felt pressed to make a significant addition before opening day, which is March 27.”

— Gabriel Burns, Reporter

What’s next

The Braves will continue to evaluate their pitching options as they prepare for the start of the 2026 MLB season on March 27.

The takeaway

Despite recent injuries to their pitching staff, the Atlanta Braves appear committed to giving opportunities to their current roster rather than seeking an outside free agent. This approach reflects the team's confidence in its internal options and its desire to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 season.