In an unexpected comment, one of MLB’s best pitchers urged the Atlanta Braves to sign nine-year veteran Lucas Giolito.
Despite finishing 76-86 last year, there is legitimate excitement about the Braves for the 2026 season. Many believe that Ronald Acuña Jr. can be an MVP candidate again. They brought back impressive veteran Ha-seong Kim. All-Star closer Robert Suarez was added, and Spencer Strider will be another year removed from UCL surgery.
Strider and ace Chris Sale were drafted to lead a rotation that had the potential to become one of the best in the league. However, that group suffered massive losses last week. Hurston Waldrep and Spencer Schwellenbach are both expected to miss the majority of the 2026 season due to surgery on their pitching elbows.
While the Braves still have solid pitching depth, they are looking to the free agent market for potential options to fill Waldrep and Schwellenbach’s spots in the rotation. One player who has been linked to Atlanta is one-time All-Star Lucas Giolito.
The 31-year-old had a good season for the Boston Red Sox in 2025 after missing all of 2024 following Tommy John surgery. Yet, for some reason, he remains a free agent with a week-old spring training available to teams around the league.
Garrett Crockett leads Braves to sign Lucas Giolito

Well, his 2025 teammate Garrett Crockett believes that should end there, and claimed this week that the Braves are a “pretty obvious” spot where he should land.
“It doesn’t mean anything special. However, it’s been that way for a while,” Crochet told the media on Saturday when asked about Giolito still being available. “The middle of the market gets messed up on both the position player and pitching side and once the season starts either the signings end or what have you.”
He added, “…a lot of people never understand it here. The people who have, have stayed here for some reason in the past. I don’t think just because we’re being super analytical, we should look at it any different.” “When you look at depth, you’re looking at guys who are experienced and have done it, not guys who can do it. That’s not depth. It’s just another possibility.”
Giolito went 10-4 with a 3.41 ERA and struck out 121 batters in 145 innings last season.
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