The 2025 season did not treat the Atlanta Braves kindly. The Braves finished the campaign with an underwhelming 76-86 record and in fourth place in the National League East standings. With this, they missed the playoffs for the first time since the 2017 season.
With how this past season went for the Braves, they will undoubtedly be looking to bounce back in 2026. Due to this, they have made several moves so far this offseason. They brought in players like Robert Suarez, Mike Yastrzemski, Mauricio Dubon, Martin Perez, and Jorge Mateo. They also re-signed Ha-Seong Kim and Raisel Iglesias, so there is no question that they have had a busy offseason.
Yet, when taking a look at the Braves’ current roster, it is fair to argue that they should not be done yet. One of their biggest needs is another solid starting pitcher for their rotation. While several of this year’s top free agent pitchers have now been signed, there are still some interesting names available for the taking.
With the halfway point of February here, the Braves are now being linked to one of the top free agent pitchers who still remains on the market.
Braves Predicted to Sign Lucas Giolito
In a recent article for FanSided, Zachary Rotman predicted where each of the top free agents left will end up signing. Among the players discussed was Lucas Giolito, which is understandable when noting that he is one of the most notable names available.
For Giolito, Rotman predicted that the Braves will end up being the team that signs the nine-year veteran.
“Gallen coming off the board entrenches Lucas Giolito as the best free agent available. I thought the Atlanta Braves made a lot of sense for Gallen given their rotation needs, but since Giolito will come cheaper and won’t require paying the QO penalty, he might make even more sense for the Braves,” Rotman wrote.
When noting that the Braves are in need of another pitcher, it is entirely understandable that they are being viewed as a potential landing spot for Giolito. He would have the potential to give the bottom half of the Braves’ rotation a nice boost if signed, and that is a significant need for them right now.
Giolito is also coming off a strong season with the Boston Red Sox, which undoubtedly adds to his appeal. In 26 games with the American League East club, the 6-foot-6 starting pitcher posted a 10-4 record, a 3.41 ERA, and 121 strikeouts. If he signed with the Braves and put up similar numbers, he would undoubtedly strengthen Atlanta’s rotation.
Giolito Should Have Multiple Suitors As Best Pitcher Left
With Giolito being one of the top pitchers still available for the taking in free agency, there is no question that he should generate interest from multiple clubs. As a result of this, the Braves are likely to have competition for his services if they pursue the one-time All-Star.
A few teams that could be good fits for Giolito at this point in the offseason include the Red Sox, San Diego Padres, and Philadelphia Phillies. Yet, the Braves also stand out as a prime fit, and it will be intriguing to see if they land him from here.
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