Lucas Giolito is making waves as one of the most sought-after free agents in the starting pitching market. At 31, the right-hander is drawing attention from several teams, notably the Atlanta Braves, after a standout 2025 season with the Boston Red Sox.
The Braves are dealing with gaps in their starting rotation due to injuries, but recent reports suggest they may not be as interested in Giolito as previously thought. Gabriel Burns from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution has downplayed the rumors, stating that any connection between the Braves and Giolito is “overstated” and that the team isn’t actively pursuing him.
Giolito, having completed a normal offseason regimen at Cressey Sports, made significant adjustments last year by raising his arm angle, which resulted in a stellar 2.51 ERA over his final 18 starts. His performance included a .620 OPS allowed and a 24.4% whiff rate, showcasing his ability to dominate on the mound. After signing with the Red Sox in 2024, Giolito missed the entire season due to elbow surgery but opted in for the 2025 season, where he made a remarkable comeback before hitting free agency.
MLB insider Julian Scott reports that Giolito is expected to finalize his team for the 2026 season by the end of this week. The Braves, along with the San Diego Padres, are reportedly leading the charge, while the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets remain in the mix, having shown interest since the Winter Meetings.
Giolito's journey has been one of resilience. After establishing himself as a reliable starter with the Chicago White Sox, he faced challenges with the Cleveland Guardians and Los Angeles Angels in 2023.
However, his impressive return with the Red Sox, where he achieved a 2.1 bWAR and a 10-4 record over 145 innings with a 3.41 ERA, has reignited interest from top teams. As the week unfolds, all eyes will be on where this talented pitcher will land, potentially shifting the balance for the upcoming season.