Braves could turn to former White Sox ace to complete their starting rotation

The Atlanta Braves are coming into the new season, looking to put to bed a miserable 2025. Injuries and inconsistent play led to them not making the postseason for the first time since 2017. 

The front office has come out aggressively over the winter, filling holes. They bolstered their bullpen by re-signing Raisel Iglesias and coming to terms with ropbert suarez. They also signed Jorge Mateo, Mike Yastrzemski, and Ha-Seong Kim. 

However, they still do have a glaring weakness to tackle. Atlanta could use another veteran presence in the starting rotation. 

MORE: Braves sign 3.54 ERA LHP to free agent contract

At this point in the offseason, there are not many options left on the open market. However, there are still some intriguing options that remain. 

Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter points out someone like Lucas Giolito could be the final piece of the puzzle. 

"The Braves have recently been linked to veteran starters Lucas Giolito and Chris Bassitt, and both would provide a workhorse veteran presence to a staff that has its fair share of injury concerns and unproven arms."

Reuter also mentions Chris Bassitt, but ultimately settles on Giolito in his Opening Day prediction. 

Giolito, the former Chicago White Sox ace, did not pitch in 2024 after being diagnosed with a partially torn UCL and flexor tendon, but returned last season. He started 26 games for the Boston Red Sox, putting together a 10-4 record with a 3,41 ERA. 

While he is coming off a good season, there are injury concerns here as well. He has had a few setbacks over the course of his career, but if he could stay healthy, he could be a steal for Atlanta. 

Reuter could see Giolito working as Atlanta's No. 4 option, which should put them in a good spot to start the new season if a deal comes to fruition.

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• White Sox projected Opening Day lineup takes pressure off Munetaka Murakami
• The new-look Cubs Opening Day lineup projection after the Alex Bregman blockbuster