Atlanta Braves predicted to sign Boston Red Sox All-Star in late free agency splash

wMar 1, 2025; North Port, Florida, USA; A detail view of Atlanta Braves hat, sunglasses and glove in the dugout during the fifth inning at CoolToday Park. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

The Atlanta Braves are still expected to be in the mix to add another starter throughout the season, whether that comes soon via a free agent signing or at the deadline with a trade, and one analyst believes a veteran could be the answer.

Austin Owens of FanSided recently predicted that the Braves would sign former Boston Red Sox starter Lucas Giolito as a solution to their rotation. While Giolito’s recent injury history makes him questionable, his stuff is good enough to give him a chance.

“Signing Giolito would be a high-risk, high-reward situation for the Braves. Situations like this are not exactly GM Alex Anthopoulos' forte but let's play the ‘what if’ game for a minute. If Atlanta could add Giolito to their roster, it would add tremendous depth. 

“Even if it is something as simple as putting Giolito in the rotation and moving Grant Holmes to the bullpen, it could make a massive difference for the Braves,” Owens wrote.

The Braves have World Series hopes, but staying healthy on the mound over a full season has been one of their issues. Adding a veteran arm like Giolito, even with injury issues, could give them another arm to eat innings if he can stay on the bump.

At his best, Giolito can get outs with the best of them, posting a 3.31 ERA last season. He’s not an ace, but is more than serviceable for what the Braves need.

More MLB news:

• Chicago Cubs predicted to add one more piece in the form of 13-year MLB veteran due to injuries
• Toronto Blue Jays predicted to make one final move before Opening Day by signing 12-year veteran
• Former New York Yankees pitcher Nestor Cortes gets intriguing career prediction amid still being without a team
• Former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher with 100 MPH fastball predicted to betray Los Angeles by signing with division rival
• Injured former Boston Red Sox pitcher predicted to sign new contract with NL contender
• Phillies manager Rob Thomson provides update on Zack Wheeler ahead of Opening Day