{"id":669088,"date":"2026-04-07T21:12:22","date_gmt":"2026-04-07T21:12:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/669088\/"},"modified":"2026-04-07T21:12:22","modified_gmt":"2026-04-07T21:12:22","slug":"braves-urged-to-sign-61-million-projected-starter-in-mlb-free-agency","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/669088\/","title":{"rendered":"Braves Urged to Sign $61 Million Projected Starter in MLB Free Agency"},"content":{"rendered":"

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BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – AUGUST 26: Pitcher Lucas Giolito #54 of the Boston Red Sox sits on the mound after trying to field a ball in the second inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on August 26, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

It\u2019s been well documented that the Atlanta Braves<\/a> have dealt with injuries to their starting rotation to start the 2026 season, but what MLB free agents are still available to sign?<\/p>\n

Atlanta is off to a strong 6-5 start, and despite a few strong starts by Reynaldo Lopez and Bryce Elder, the rotation still remains an area of concern.<\/p>\n

In a recent prediction piece for Bleacher Report, MLB writer Zachary Rotman<\/a> urges the Braves to sign Lucas Giolito, who is still a free agent.<\/p>\n

More MLB on Heavy: Braves-Red Sox Trade Pitch Sends Jarren Duran to Atlanta for Two Prospects<\/a><\/p>\n

Atlanta Braves Named Best Landing Spot for Lucas Giolito
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BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS \u2013 SEPTEMBER 12: Lucas Giolito #54 of the Boston Red Sox reacts after being taken out of the game during the sixth inning against the New York Yankees<\/a> at Fenway Park on September 12, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Brian Fluharty\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

Lucas Giolito is a 31-year-old right-handed starter who posted strong numbers last season, but is still having some trouble finding a home in 2026.<\/p>\n

In 2025, Giolito pitched 145 innings, and boasted a 3.41 ERA. He struck out 121 batters and made 26 starts.<\/p>\n

The Braves are a bit shaky right now in the bottom of their rotation, and Giolito could be a good addition to the staff.<\/p>\n

Here is Rotman\u2019s reasoning for Atlanta being a good fit for Lucas Giolito:<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, it\u2019s the Braves again. And this pairing has been obvious for a while now. Assuming he doesn\u2019t want to take a huge pay cut on the $19 million he made in 2025, the other factor here is that there are only so many teams that can afford Giolito even on a pro-rated deal. The Braves should be one of them.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Braves are littered all over the place in Rotman\u2019s piece, and another starter that Atlanta is being urged to sign is Tyler Anderson.<\/p>\n

More MLB on Heavy: Cubs Receive Less-Than-Ideal Update on Cade Horton\u2019s Forearm Injury<\/a><\/p>\n

What is Lucas Giolito\u2019s Price Tag?<\/p>\n

Considering he\u2019s waiting so long in the cycle to sign to a new (or back with the Red Sox) MLB organization, as Rotman indicates, a pay cut is almost necessary.<\/p>\n

However, according to Spotrac, Lucas Giolito\u2019s market value remains firm at three years, $61 million.\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n

If he were to sign for that AAV value, it would have already happened. What\u2019s most likely is that Giolito reaches a one-year agreement for like $8-12 million.<\/p>\n

The main reason Giolito remains unsigned is likely due to injury concerns, but it is a bizarre situation when you consider much less productive starters have signed to various teams across MLB since the season started. The fact that the season has already started is definitely hurting Giolito\u2019s financial value, and if he wants to pitch in MLB in 2026, his pay will likely be reduced for his services.<\/p>\n

Even with this being said, the Braves need to make some type of offer to Giolito because it would greatly help their starting rotation.<\/p>\n

More MLB on Heavy: Red Sox Predicted to Trade Important Outfielder to Braves for Top Prospect Haul<\/a><\/p>\n

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\n\t\t\tMore Heavy on Braves\n\t\t<\/p>\n

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