With several of their starters returning from significant injuries, the Braves face a pressing need to bolster their rotation before the season begins. While a true frontline ace would be ideal, most of those options are already off the board in free agency and trades, making a seasoned veteran the most realistic target.
MLB insider Jon Heyman points to two names worth watching: Lucas Giolito and Chris Bassitt.
“I hear the Braves are in on Giolito as well,” Heyman said. “I’d watch the Tigers, Orioles, or Braves. The Braves are also pursuing Chris Bassitt. They’re looking for a starter in that range. Both are excellent pitchers.”
This approach aligns with Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos’s usual strategy when evaluating free-agent starters. While he occasionally explores bigger-name options, he rarely goes all-in. Instead, he typically targets experienced starters with proven performance who are willing to accept shorter-term deals — a profile that fits both Giolito and Bassitt perfectly.
This strategy has worked well at times. Charlie Morton, for example, was a durable force for Atlanta and played a pivotal role in the Braves’ 2021 World Series championship. At other times, it has misfired, as seen with the Cole Hamels signing in 2020.
Between the two options, Giolito brings considerably more upside. At 31, he ended the 2025 season strong, posting a 2.51 ERA over his final 19 starts after missing all of 2024 due to a UCL injury. Had his elbow stayed healthy late in the season, his market would likely have been much stronger.
Bassitt, on the other hand, will turn 37 soon, but his durability throughout his 30s is notable. He has thrown at least 170 innings in each of the last four seasons, posting a combined 3.77 ERA over that span.
While neither pitcher is a true frontline ace at this point in their careers, either would substantially ease the load on the Braves’ rotation and be fully capable of starting a postseason game if called upon.
