Braves Predicted to Remove $30M All-Star from Rotation, Sign Lucas Giolito
Published: February 02, 2026 at 12:33 PM EST
By Aaliyan Mohammed, Contributing Sports Writer
As the Atlanta Braves continue to shape their roster for the 2026 season, a potential major move in their starting rotation could significantly impact the makeup of their pitching staff. With an eye toward improving their postseason chances, the Braves are reportedly poised to add Lucas Giolito, a free-agent pitcher who has experienced a resurgence after a couple of down years. The question now is: which starter would lose their job to make room for Giolito?
Currently, the Braves’ rotation is projected to feature some combination of Chris Sale, Spencer Strider, Spencer Schwellenbach, Reynaldo LĂłpez, and Hurston Waldrep, with AJ Smith-Shawver recovering from injury. This mix of talent, including the inclusion of former All-Star LĂłpez, had fans excited about the Braves’ potential for 2026. However, with the potential signing of Giolito, it appears that LĂłpez, who was an integral part of the rotation in 2024, might be moved to the bullpen, a change that has many wondering how the Braves will balance both performance and future potential.
A Rotation in Flux: Who Makes Way for Giolito?
If the Braves were to bring in Lucas Giolito, who posted a strong 3.41 ERA in 2025 after struggling through 2022 and 2023, the logical consequence would be that someone in the current rotation would need to step aside. The primary candidate for this demotion is Reynaldo LĂłpez, whose career has been defined by a mixture of high highs and unfortunate injuries.
López was absolutely spectacular for the Braves in 2024, posting a 1.99 ERA in 26 games, with 25 starts, marking his best season as a full-time starter. It was a remarkable comeback after a few lackluster years. However, the optimism surrounding López took a significant hit in 2025 when he suffered a shoulder injury, limiting him to just one start that season. Given the unpredictability of shoulder injuries and López’s less-than-stellar history with injuries, the Braves may be hesitant to rely on him as a regular starter going forward.
Giolito, on the other hand, has proven durability and a high ceiling. While his 2024 season was wiped out, his performance in 2025 suggested he is fully capable of being a frontline starter again. This could be too appealing for the Braves to pass up, particularly if they are looking to add depth to their rotation for a long postseason run.
López’s Potential Role in the Bullpen
Should the Braves sign Giolito and move López to the bullpen, it would not necessarily be a death sentence for López’s value to the team. In fact, López has been remarkably effective as a reliever over his career. With a 2.99 ERA in 145 relief appearances, López has proven he can thrive in short bursts, where his stuff plays up and the injury risks are minimized. His fastball-slider combination has made him an effective weapon in high-leverage situations.
Moving him to the bullpen could give the Braves an elite option in the late innings, adding another layer to their bullpen depth. This move could prove beneficial for both LĂłpez and the Braves, allowing LĂłpez to maintain a significant role while not overstretching his ability as a starter. In fact, many players who have transitioned from starter to reliever have seen their career revitalized, and LĂłpez could follow suit, contributing to the Braves in a new capacity.
Giolito’s Role and Resurgence
Lucas Giolito, who is coming off a resurgent season, represents an upgrade that could elevate the Braves’ pitching staff to a new level. After struggling in 2022 and 2023, Giolito returned to form in 2025, posting a 3.41 ERA over 170 innings. Giolito’s performance has earned him another chance as a starting pitcher, and with his experience in the postseason with the Chicago White Sox, he brings valuable big-game experience that could be key for the Braves as they aim for another World Series.
As a pitcher who has shown elite strikeout stuff in the past, Giolito would likely slot in as the No. 4 starter in the Braves’ rotation, behind Chris Sale, Spencer Strider, and potentially Spencer Schwellenbach. This would give the Braves a formidable top four, with Giolito offering consistency and a reliable arm to take the ball every fifth day.
The Braves’ Pitching Staff for 2026: Deep and Talented
With Giolito’s signing, the Braves’ rotation would become one of the most balanced and potent staffs in the league. Chris Sale, a former Cy Young winner, would lead the staff, while Spencer Strider, a rising star, brings elite strikeout potential to the mix. Adding Giolito to this equation would give the Braves a well-rounded group of starters who can handle different types of games, from power matchups to finesse-based contests. Spencer Schwellenbach, another promising young arm, adds depth, and the return of Hurston Waldrep gives the Braves an intriguing option with high upside.
If LĂłpez is moved to the bullpen, the Braves would be able to lean on his experience and stuff in high-leverage situations, providing an additional layer of protection for their starting pitchers. The bullpen would be deeper, with LĂłpez joining a group that already features talent such as A.J. Minter and Raisel Iglesias.
Looking Ahead: What Does This Mean for the Braves?
The potential addition of Giolito signals the Braves’ commitment to competing for a World Series title in 2026. By bolstering their rotation with a reliable, experienced arm like Giolito, they are preparing themselves for a long and grueling season, with postseason success in mind. López’s potential move to the bullpen could also provide the Braves with added depth and flexibility, ensuring that their pitching staff is capable of handling any challenge that arises during the season.
Ultimately, the decision to sign Giolito and potentially remove López from the rotation speaks volumes about the Braves’ dedication to winning. With Giolito, the Braves would not only strengthen their chances of reaching the playoffs, but they would also give themselves the opportunity to make a deep run once they’re there. As the Braves gear up for 2026, their pitching staff looks set to be one of the most complete and competitive in the National League.
This move, while potentially tough on López, would solidify the Braves’ reputation as a team geared for success in 2026. Only time will tell if this prediction comes to fruition, but one thing is certain—the Braves are building something special for the future.
The Braves’ pitching staff is already shaping up to be a force in the National League, and the addition of Lucas Giolito could take them to the next level. Whether LĂłpez stays in the rotation or moves to the bullpen, this decision is just the latest step in Atlanta’s quest for postseason glory in 2026.
