Braves Predicted to Sign $38M Cy Young Arm to Form Fearsome Trio

The addition would bolster Atlanta's rotation alongside Chris Sale and Spencer Strider.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 6:07pm

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The Atlanta Braves are reportedly exploring options to add another starting pitcher to their rotation, with free agent Lucas Giolito emerging as a potential target. The team has dealt with several injuries to key pitchers this spring, leaving their rotation in flux. Acquiring Giolito, a former Cy Young winner, could provide valuable depth and experience alongside Chris Sale and Spencer Strider.

Why it matters

The Braves have been one of the top teams in the National League in recent years, but their rotation has been hit hard by injuries this spring. Adding an impact arm like Giolito could help solidify their staff and give them a fearsome trio atop the rotation as they aim to make another deep playoff run.

The details

The Braves have seen pitchers like Spencer Schwellenbach, Hurston Waldrep, and Joey Wentz land on the injured list this spring, complicating their plans for the rotation. GM Alex Anthopoulos has said the team would like to add "someone impactful" to the staff, and Giolito, a former Cy Young winner, could fit that bill. Giolito remains a free agent after a down year in 2025, and the Braves have a history of signing players to one-year deals to help them bounce back, like their signing of Josh Donaldson in 2019.

  • The Braves have dealt with several injuries to key pitchers this spring.

The players

Lucas Giolito

A former Cy Young award winner who remains a free agent after a down year in 2025.

Chris Sale

A veteran starting pitcher who would form a fearsome trio atop the Braves' rotation if the team signs Giolito.

Spencer Strider

A rising young star who would also be part of the Braves' potential rotation trio with Sale and Giolito.

Alex Anthopoulos

The Braves' general manager, who has said the team would like to add "someone impactful" to the starting rotation.

Jurickson Profar

The Braves' designated hitter who is facing a 162-game suspension for a second positive PED test.

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What they’re saying

“We've explored the starting rotation, adding and getting some type of starter, whether that's trade or signing. We'd like for it to be someone impactful, someone we think can start a playoff game.”

— Alex Anthopoulos, Braves General Manager (Sporting News)

“Aside from Boston, the Atlanta Braves may actually be the most logical fit for Giolito. The Braves are currently experiencing some intense deja vu with the injury bug and need all the depth they can get. Acquiring Giolito could add some more experience to a fairly young staff and lengthen the rotation.”

— Austin Owens, FanSided Writer (FanSided)

What’s next

The Braves will continue to monitor the free agent market and explore potential trades as they look to bolster their starting rotation ahead of the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The Braves' pursuit of Lucas Giolito highlights their need to add depth and experience to their starting rotation, which has been hit hard by injuries this spring. If they can sign Giolito, it would give them a fearsome trio atop their staff alongside Chris Sale and Spencer Strider as they aim to make another deep playoff run.