The Atlanta Braves have been one of the more active teams this offseason, checking off most of their to-do list early. But even with a roster that looks playoff-ready on paper, GM Alex Anthopoulos isn’t ready to close the book just yet. There’s one more piece he’s eyeing - a starting pitcher who can take the mound in October and deliver.
“We’ve explored the starting rotation, adding and getting some type of starter, whether that’s trade or signing,” Anthopoulos said. “We’d like for it to be someone impactful, someone we think can start a playoff game.”
That last part matters. This isn’t about plugging in another back-end arm or adding depth for depth’s sake.
Anthopoulos wants someone who can handle the heat of postseason baseball. And that brings us to Lucas Giolito - a name that’s been floated as a potential fit for Atlanta’s rotation puzzle.
Now, when Giolito is right, he’s the kind of guy you want on the hill in a big game. The challenge?
Keeping him healthy. He missed the start of the 2025 season recovering from elbow surgery and wrapped it up early due to another elbow issue.
That’s the red flag. But the upside?
It’s real.
From June 10 onward last season, Giolito looked like the pitcher who once anchored a playoff rotation. Over 10 starts, he went 7-1 with a 2.03 ERA.
Opponents hit just .194 against him in that stretch, with a .579 OPS. That’s not just solid - that’s shutdown stuff.
And if he’s truly turning a corner post-surgery, the Braves might be looking at a low-risk, high-reward move.
Atlanta’s rotation, when healthy, has serious potential. Spencer Strider is the ace, but beyond that, there are questions.
Chris Sale showed flashes last year but has his own injury history. Reynaldo López is transitioning from the bullpen.
Spencer Schwellenbach and Grant Holmes are intriguing, but unproven. And while depth arms like Hurston Waldrep, Bryce Elder, and Joey Wentz are in the mix, none are guaranteed answers over a full season.
That’s where Giolito could come in - as a stabilizer. Someone who doesn’t just fill innings, but gives the Braves a shot to win every fifth day.
And if he’s healthy come October? He’s the kind of arm you trust in a Game 3 or 4.
Anthopoulos has made a name for himself finding value in players others have overlooked. Whether it’s through savvy trades or smart, short-term deals, he’s built a reputation on getting the most out of his roster. Giolito, with his upside and postseason potential, fits that mold.
There’s also a long-term angle here. The Braves aren’t just looking at 2026 - they’re thinking beyond. With some rotation spots potentially opening up after this season, bringing in a guy like Giolito now could give them a head start on building next year’s staff.
It’s a calculated risk, sure. But it’s the kind of move that could pay off in a big way - both in the standings and in October. And for a Braves team that’s hungry to get back to the postseason, that kind of upside is worth chasing.