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MLB Rumors: Insider Links Top Pitcher To The Atlanta Braves

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports
By Paranjoy Goswami | Last updated Mar 25, 2026 3:41 AM ET

The injury epidemic continues for the Atlanta Braves from last season, with multiple casualties in their starting rotation. Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston landed on the 60-day IL for the Braves at the start of spring training. Meanwhile, Spencer Strider also joined them with an oblique injury just days ahead of Opening Day.

MLB insider Ken Rosenthal suggests the Atlanta Braves make a move to acquire Lucas Giolito, with their starting pitching options getting rather thin before the start of the new season. The Braves were strongly linked to Giolito during the offseason. Rosenthal expects the club to sign the right-handed pitcher if it can get him for a suitable price.

“They’re in a really difficult spot right now to start the season,” he said on the Foul Territory podcast. “They’re the team that should be the team to sign Lucas Giolito. He’s still out there. I don’t know exactly what they’re waiting for, other than maybe the price to drop.”

If there's any team out there that should sign Lucas Giolito, it's Atlanta, says @Ken_Rosenthal.

"If I'm a Braves fan, I'm freaking out a little bit." pic.twitter.com/4Zy1WjPHL8
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) March 24, 2026

Giolito surprisingly still remains on the free agent market. The 31-year-old had an excellent 2025 campaign for the Boston Red Sox after returning from Tommy John surgery. He pitched 145.0 innings over 26 starts, posting a 10-4 record with a 3.41 ERA.

Atlanta Braves In a Crisis To Start 2026 Season, Says Ken Rosenthal

The Atlanta Braves are in a crisis before the beginning of the 2026 campaign with the injury to Spencer Strider, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. The Braves fanbase is naturally in a state of panic over the current situation because there is not much depth or reliability in the starting pitching.

Ken Rosenthal (Image Credits: Getty Images)

“After the Schwellenbach and Waldrep injuries, they were one injury way from a true crisis. Well, here we are,” Rosenthal said. “They’re not really protected with the depth of their rotation.

“Maybe some of these pitchers ultimately come back and are effective and healthy. But if I’m a Braves fan—yes, I’m freaking out a little bit right now.”

The Atlanta Braves expect Spencer Strider to miss the opening two weeks of the season, but his return could take longer than that. Meanwhile, Spencer Schwellenbach and Husrton Waldrep will not be back at least until June. Reynaldo Lopez, Bryce Elder, and top pitching prospect Didier Fuentes are expected to be their replacements in the starting rotation.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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