The Atlanta Braves know exactly what they're up against heading into 2026. When their rotation is healthy, it’s one of the most dangerous in baseball.
But last season was a harsh reminder of how quickly that strength can become a liability. Injuries tore through the pitching staff in 2025, and the fallout was undeniable.
Now, with only two starters-Spencer Strider and Spencer Schwellenbach-under contract beyond 2026, the Braves are facing some serious long-term questions about the future of their rotation.
That reality isn’t lost on GM Alex Anthopoulos, who made it clear that the team is actively searching for an arm that can not only eat innings during the regular season but also hold up under the bright lights of October.
“We’ve explored the starting rotation, adding and getting some type of starter, whether that’s a trade or signing. We’d like for it to be someone impactful, someone we think can start a playoff game,” Anthopoulos said.
That’s not just GM-speak. It’s a signal that the Braves aren’t looking for a back-end filler. They want a difference-maker-someone who’s been there, done that, and can help stabilize a rotation that’s seen too much turnover in recent years.
One name that’s starting to gain traction in Atlanta’s orbit is Lucas Giolito. The veteran right-hander has postseason experience and the kind of upside that could make him a valuable addition to a team with championship aspirations. There are some health questions-Giolito missed Boston’s Wild Card Series against the Yankees last fall due to an elbow issue-but he’s expected to be ready for spring training.
And let’s be honest: if there’s any rotation that knows how to weather injuries and keep pushing forward, it’s the Braves. They’ve been forced to adapt more than most over the past few seasons, and that experience could serve them well if Giolito-or any other addition-needs time to ramp up.
Chris Bassitt is another name in the mix, and while both pitchers bring different strengths to the table, Giolito’s potential to slot in as a high-leverage starter makes him an especially intriguing fit. He wouldn’t just be a stopgap-he’d be a stabilizer, someone who could help keep the Braves in the thick of a deep and increasingly competitive NL East.
The bottom line? Atlanta can’t afford another season derailed by injuries and inconsistency on the mound. With the kind of offensive firepower this roster brings, a healthy and reliable rotation could be the missing piece to get them back into October-and make some serious noise once they’re there.
Back-to-back seasons without a playoff appearance would be a major disappointment for a team built to contend. That’s why adding depth isn’t just a luxury-it’s a necessity. The Braves know what’s at stake, and they’re moving with urgency to make sure their rotation is ready to meet the moment.