The Atlanta Braves are reportedly still eyeing additions to their starting rotation, and this move could be a game-changer for their upcoming season. But here's where it gets controversial: with a solid bullpen already in place, is focusing on the rotation the right move, or are they spreading themselves too thin?
Despite the offseason lull, the free agency market is buzzing with talent, particularly in the starting pitcher department. Jon Heyman of the New York Post recently highlighted this abundance, specifically mentioning Lucas Giolito and Chris Bassitt as notable names still available. And this is the part most people miss: both pitchers are now being linked to the Braves, thanks to Heyman's insights during his MLB Network appearance.
Back in November, Braves General Manager Alex Anthopoulos openly stated the team's intention to bolster their pitching staff during the offseason. They’ve already strengthened their bullpen by retaining Raisel Iglesias and signing Robert Suarez, and now their attention seems to be shifting to the starting rotation. But why these two pitchers? Let’s break it down.
Lucas Giolito, entering his age-31 season in 2026, had a bit of a resurgence in 2025 with the Red Sox. After a turbulent 2024 that saw him bounce between three teams, he settled in Boston, posting a 3.41 ERA (80 ERA-) and a 4.17 FIP (99 FIP-) over 26 starts and 145 innings. This performance earned him a 2.0 fWAR, his most productive season since his impressive 4.1 fWAR campaign in 2021. However, here’s the catch: Giolito’s journey since 2021 has been a rollercoaster, and he’s coming off an elbow injury that cut his 2025 season short. But, he’s had a full offseason to recover, which could make him a high-reward signing if he stays healthy.
On the other hand, Chris Bassitt is the epitome of consistency. Since 2019, he’s made 188 starts, thrown 1,087.1 innings, and maintained a 3.60 ERA (87 ERA-) and a 3.94 FIP (93 FIP-). Even as he approaches his age-37 season, Bassitt’s reliability is undeniable. His postseason performance with the Blue Jays last year was nothing short of stellar, posting a 1.04 ERA and a 1.52 FIP across seven appearances. But here’s the question: is Bassitt’s age a ticking time bomb, or is his track record enough to justify the risk?
The Braves are known for valuing experience and proven performance, and both Giolito and Bassitt fit the bill—though in very different ways. Giolito offers potential upside if he can stay healthy, while Bassitt brings steady, dependable production. What’s your take? Would you rather see the Braves take a chance on Giolito’s rebound potential, or play it safe with Bassitt’s consistency? Let us know in the comments!
Either way, adding one of these pitchers would address some of the lingering questions surrounding the Braves’ rotation. While their current lineup looks strong on paper, recent seasons have shown how quickly injuries can derail even the most promising rosters. With neither pitcher attached to a Qualifying Offer, the Braves could secure a valuable addition without sacrificing draft picks. Whether it’s Giolito’s health-dependent upside or Bassitt’s proven reliability, one thing’s for sure: the Braves are positioning themselves for a competitive 2026. We’ll have to wait and see which direction they go—or if they’ll surprise us all with a different move entirely.
