Don’t blink—MLB spring training is right around the corner. The offseason flew by for the Atlanta Braves and the rest of baseball. While free agency was busy overall, several notable players remain unsigned as camps prepare to open.
On the pitching front, Houston Astros left-hander Framber Valdez is still on the market. He’s the biggest remaining name after Dylan Cease signed with the Toronto Blue Jays and Ranger Suárez landed with the Boston Red Sox. Beyond Valdez, the available pitchers are mostly rotation depth options. Atlanta could benefit from adding another arm, whether it’s Valdez or someone else, and one remaining free agent stands out as a potential solution to a major need.
Braves Projected to Add Lucas Giolito
When healthy, Atlanta boasts one of the strongest rotation cores in the NL East, led by Chris Sale, Spencer Schwellenbach, and Spencer Strider. Bringing in another starter would help stabilize the group, and Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter has projected that the Braves could sign Red Sox right-hander Lucas Giolito to slot in as their No. 4 starter on Opening Day.
Reuter noted that Atlanta has been linked to both Giolito and veteran Chris Bassitt, adding that either pitcher would provide durability and experience to a rotation dealing with injuries and inexperienced arms. He suggested a two-year deal worth around $40 million could be enough to land either pitcher.
While both options make sense, Giolito could be especially impactful. There are some health concerns after he missed Boston’s American League Wild Card Series against the New York Yankees due to an elbow issue, but he’s expected to be fully ready for spring training.
If any team is accustomed to managing rotation injuries and making adjustments, it’s Atlanta. Even so, Giolito would offer valuable depth and help the Braves keep pace in an increasingly competitive NL East.
Why Atlanta Needs Giolito’s Depth
When Giolito signed with Boston, the Red Sox knew he would miss the 2024 season while recovering from surgery. That gamble paid dividends in 2025.
In 26 starts under manager Alex Cora, Giolito posted a 10–4 record with a 3.41 ERA. He logged 145 innings, struck out 121 batters, walked 56, and produced a 2.1 WAR—his best mark since 2023. Those are exactly the kind of numbers Atlanta would welcome from a fourth starter, as Reuter projected.
Reuter also pointed to internal options such as Grant Holmes, Reynaldo López, Joey Wentz, Didier Fuentes, and Bryce Elder. While those pitchers provide depth, adding a proven veteran—whether Giolito, Bassitt, or Valdez—could be the difference if the Braves want to seriously contend.
The Philadelphia Phillies remain strong, the New York Mets have improved, and Atlanta could still be chasing both teams. One more reliable arm could be the move that pushes the Braves over the top when their rotation is fully healthy.
