Braves Seek Former All-Star to Bolster Injury-Plagued Rotation

Atlanta looks to sign Lucas Giolito after losing key starters to elbow issues.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The Atlanta Braves are in need of starting pitching depth after right-handers Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep suffered elbow injuries to start the 2026 season. With their rotation depleted, the team is eyeing a potential deal with free agent Lucas Giolito, a former All-Star who could provide a boost if healthy.

Why it matters

The Braves struggled to a 76-86 record in 2025 after losing ace Max Fried to free agency, and they're hoping to bounce back this year. Adding an experienced starter like Giolito could help solidify their rotation and keep them in contention in the tough NL East division.

The details

Giolito, 31, missed the entire 2024 season due to an internal brace procedure in his elbow but returned in 2025 to post a 10-4 record with a 3.41 ERA in 26 starts for the Boston Red Sox. He was an All-Star in 2019 with the Chicago White Sox and could provide a reliable middle-of-the-rotation presence for the Braves if healthy.

  • The Braves are looking to sign Giolito ahead of the 2026 MLB season.
  • Schwellenbach and Waldrep are already on the shelf to start the year due to elbow injuries.

The players

Lucas Giolito

A 31-year-old free agent pitcher who missed the 2024 season due to an elbow injury but returned in 2025 to post a 10-4 record and 3.41 ERA for the Boston Red Sox.

Spencer Schwellenbach

A right-handed pitcher for the Atlanta Braves who is currently sidelined with an elbow injury to start the 2026 season.

Hurston Waldrep

A right-handed pitcher for the Atlanta Braves who is currently sidelined with an elbow injury to start the 2026 season.

Max Fried

The former ace of the Atlanta Braves' rotation who left the team in free agency prior to the 2025 season.

Chris Sale

A veteran starting pitcher who could join Giolito and Spencer Strider in the Braves' rotation if the team signs Giolito.

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What’s next

The Braves will need to finalize contract negotiations with Giolito in order to add him to their rotation ahead of the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The Braves' rotation was a weakness in 2025, and the team is hoping that adding a proven veteran like Giolito can help solidify their pitching staff and get them back into playoff contention in the tough NL East division.