The Atlanta Braves’ starting rotation could be great next season, but Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter predicted a major change to the group.
Right now, the Braves’ rotation figures to be some order of Chris Sale, Spencer Strider, Spencer Schwellenbach, Reynaldo López and Hurston Waldrep with AJ Smith-Shawver on the injured list. However, Reuter predicted the Braves would sign Lucas Giolito in free agency.
With Giolito in the mix, which starter would be out of a job? Reuter noted that it would be López. He was an All-Star in 2024 and signed a three-year, $30 million extension after the season. However, last year he suffered a shoulder injury and made just one start.
López was great for the Braves in 2024. He had a 1.99 ERA in 26 games, making 25 starts. It was his best season as a full-time starter, and his first since 2020.
Moving López to the bullpen would not be terrible. In fact, he has a 2.99 ERA in 145 relief appearances in his career. That is much better than his overall numbers as a starter. Meanwhile, Giolito is coming off a resurgent season after struggling in 2022 and 2023 and missing all of 2024.
Giolito had a 3.41 ERA last season and could slot in as the Braves’ No. 4 starter. The Braves are looking to get back into the postseason, and adding Giolito could help.
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