Braves predicted to sign $38M Cy Young arm to form fearsome trio with Chris Sale, Spencer Strider

The Atlanta Braves are playing good baseball in Spring Training, which could set them up for a strong regular season in 2026. However, it has been a hectic spring due to several injuries and the PED suspension of Jurickson Profar.

“Atlanta Braves designated hitter Jurickson Profar is facing a 162-game suspension after testing positive for a performance-enhancing drug for the second time in the last year, sources told ESPN on Tuesday. Profar, 33, is the sixth player to receive a 162-game ban for PED use since Major League Baseball increased the penalty for two-time offenders to a full season in 2014. He will forfeit the entirety of his $15 million salary,” Jeff Passan wrote.

Profar’s suspension could free up some money for Atlanta, potentially allowing the team to pursue another starting pitcher. Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos was comfortable with the rotation during the offseason, but recent injuries have complicated that plan.

“We’ve explored the starting rotation, adding and getting some type of starter, whether that’s trade or signing. We’d like for it to be someone impactful, someone we think can start a playoff game,” Anthopoulos said.

One name the Braves could target is Lucas Giolito, who remains available and could make sense for Atlanta’s rotation.

“Aside from Boston, the Atlanta Braves may actually be the most logical fit for Giolito. The Braves are currently experiencing some intense deja vu with the injury bug and need all the depth they can get. Acquiring Giolito could add some more experience to a fairly young staff and lengthen the rotation. At the moment, Chris Sale, Spencer Strider and Reynaldo Lopez feel like the only guaranteed starters in the Braves rotation. Other arms like Bryce Elder are fighting for their opportunity following unfortunate injuries that have sidelined Spencer Schwellenbach, Hurston Waldrep and Joey Wentz,” FanSided’s Austin Owens wrote.

The Braves have already seen Spencer Schwellenbach, Hurston Waldrep, and Joey Wentz land on the injured list. Adding Giolito would provide valuable depth and veteran experience to the rotation.

Atlanta has a history of signing players to one-year deals to help them bounce back. A good example is when the Braves signed Josh Donaldson in 2019. Those types of moves are often where Anthopoulos thrives, especially when the team needs to stabilize an area like the starting rotation.

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