MLB Rumors: Atlanta Braves Could Part Ways With Reynaldo Lopez For All-Star Pitcher

“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 young arms. Something in the two-year, $40 million range might get a deal done for either option,” Reuter wrote earlier this week.

As per Reuter, Giolito, an All-Star back in 2019, will take the No. 4 spot on the rotation from Lopez. The latter signed a three-year, $30 million contract after his outstanding 2024 season. However, he made just one start last year after a long IL stint due to a shoulder injury. Therefore, Lopez could shift back into a bullpen role if Giolito or another free-agent starting pitcher joins the team.

Atlanta Braves President Confirms Search For Veteran Starting Pitcher

Alex Anthopoulos, the Atlanta Braves’ president of baseball operations, clarified that they are indeed searching for another starting pitcher to join their roster. During an appearance on the 92-9 The Game podcast on Tuesday, he told hosts Carl Dukes and Mike Bell that they are only looking for someone with proven MLB experience who could make a postseason start.

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

Chris Sale, Spencer Strider, Spencer Schwellenbach, and Reynaldo Lopez are their four most experienced starting pitchers on the Atlanta Braves roster. Hurston Waldrep, Bryce Elder, and Grant Holmes will battle for the final spot in the five-man rotation.