Braves Reportedly Eyeing $61M All-Star to Replace Injured Starters

Atlanta looking to sign former Cy Young candidate Lucas Giolito as emergency rotation help

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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With injuries to starting pitchers Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep, the Atlanta Braves are reportedly interested in signing free agent right-hander Lucas Giolito to a short-term contract. Giolito, a former All-Star and Cy Young candidate, is available on the open market and could provide a cost-effective solution to bolster the Braves' rotation.

Why it matters

The Braves have been hit hard by injuries to their starting pitching staff, and adding an experienced arm like Giolito could help stabilize their rotation as they look to make another playoff push. Giolito's market has been relatively quiet, potentially allowing the Braves to sign him at a discounted rate.

The details

Giolito, 27, is coming off a solid 2025 season in which he went 10-4 with a 3.41 ERA, 121 strikeouts, and a 1.290 WHIP over 145 innings pitched. He is projected to receive a three-year, $61 million contract, but his lack of suitors could allow the Braves to sign him to a more team-friendly deal as an emergency replacement for the injured Schwellenbach and Waldrep.

  • The Braves placed Schwellenbach and Waldrep on the 60-day injured list in February 2026.

The players

Lucas Giolito

A former All-Star and Cy Young candidate who is currently a free agent.

Spencer Schwellenbach

A Braves starting pitcher who is currently on the 60-day injured list.

Hurston Waldrep

A Braves starting pitcher who is currently on the 60-day injured list.

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What they’re saying

“The Atlanta Braves are already dealing with injuries to their starting rotation, and there's a solution staring them right in the face: Giolito. Part of what gave the Braves pause with pursuing other starting pitchers, such as Zac Gallen, is that they were attached to the qualifying offer. Giolito, meanwhile, is not. The fact he's stayed on the market this long would seemingly suggest that he's likely to sign a short-term contract that would allow him to test the market next winter. Which could be the perfect opportunity for Alex Anthopoulos to strike, especially with promising young right-handers Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep sidelined with elbow injuries.”

— Robert Murray, Fansided Writer (Fansided)

What’s next

The Braves will need to decide quickly if they want to sign Giolito, as other teams are also in need of starting pitching help.

The takeaway

The Braves' rotation has been hit hard by injuries, and signing the experienced and talented Giolito could provide a cost-effective solution to bolster their pitching staff as they look to make another postseason run.