Braves Seek Veteran Depth in Free Agent Pitcher Giolito

Former All-Star could provide stability to injury-plagued Atlanta rotation

Mar. 16, 2026 at 4:36pm

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The Atlanta Braves, dealing with injuries to key starters, are eyeing free agent pitcher Lucas Giolito as a potential addition to their rotation. Giolito, a 31-year-old right-hander, is coming off a 3.41 ERA season with the Boston Red Sox and could provide valuable depth and experience to an Atlanta staff that has struggled with health.

Why it matters

The Braves have seen several of their projected starters, including Hurston Waldrep, Spencer Schwellenbach, Chris Sale, and Spencer Strider, dealing with injuries this spring. Adding a proven veteran like Giolito could help stabilize the rotation and keep the Braves competitive while their other starters recover.

The details

Giolito, a former first-round draft pick, has had an up-and-down career but is coming off a solid 2025 season with the Red Sox. While he has struggled with the long ball at times, he provides the Braves with an experienced arm who can eat innings and keep them in games. Signing Giolito would likely mean moving prospect Bryce Elder to the bullpen, providing more depth across the pitching staff.

  • Giolito remains a free agent as Spring Training reaches its final stage.

The players

Lucas Giolito

A 31-year-old right-handed pitcher who is a nine-year MLB veteran and former All-Star.

Hurston Waldrep

A Braves pitcher who will spend extended time on the injured list after undergoing a procedure to remove loose bodies from his throwing elbow.

Spencer Schwellenbach

A Braves pitcher who will also spend extended time on the injured list after undergoing a similar procedure to remove loose bodies from his throwing elbow.

Chris Sale

The Braves' projected No. 1 starter, who has had health concerns in the past.

Spencer Strider

The Braves' projected No. 2 starter, who has also dealt with health issues.

Bryce Elder

A Braves prospect who is projected to fill one of the final three rotation spots, but may be moved to the bullpen if Giolito is signed.

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What they’re saying

“If Atlanta could add Giolito to their roster, it would add tremendous depth. Even if it is something as simple as putting Giolito in the rotation and moving Grant Holmes to the bullpen, it could make a massive difference for the Braves.”

— Austin Owens, FanSided Writer

“By no means would Giolito need to be an all-star in Atlanta to make a difference. [Walt] Weiss just simply needs someone at the back end of that rotation who can keep them in ballgames every fifth day. It has already been proven time and time again Bryce Elder is not that guy.”

— Austin Owens, FanSided Writer

What’s next

The Braves will likely make a decision on whether to sign Giolito before the start of the regular season.

The takeaway

The Braves' rotation has been plagued by injuries, and adding a veteran like Giolito could provide much-needed stability and depth as they look to defend their NL East title. Even if Giolito is not an ace, his experience and ability to eat innings could make a significant difference for Atlanta.