Lucas Giolito, the former Boston Red Sox ace, is still waiting to find his new home as a free agent. At 31, he’s considered the top starting pitcher left on the market, coming off one of his best seasons by bWAR. Despite this, Giolito remains unsigned, a situation few anticipated as spring training kicks off.

Heading into the offseason, expectations were set for Giolito to land a two-to-three-year deal worth between $30-40 million. His 3.41 ERA over more than 140 innings in his comeback season after an internal brace procedure seemed promising.

However, his advanced metrics told a different story, ranking him among the lower tiers in several categories. He found himself in the 12th percentile for xERA and 16th for xBA, with chase%, whiff%, K%, and BB% also showing concerning numbers.

This discrepancy between expected and actual performance suggested a stroke of luck played a role in his stats.

Yet, it’s surprising that Giolito is still without a team. His experience and durability make him an attractive option, especially as injuries inevitably arise in spring training.

The Atlanta Braves, dealing with their own pitching woes, might be the perfect fit. They’ve already placed Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep on the 60-day injured list, both needing surgery.

Last season, the Braves used 19 different starters due to injuries, highlighting their need for a reliable arm like Giolito.

Despite the mixed perceptions, Giolito’s track record speaks volumes. Even if he doesn’t maintain his 3.41 ERA, his ability to consistently take the mound and deliver near a four ERA is valuable. From June to August last year, he posted a stellar 2.89 ERA, proving he still has plenty to offer.

For any team seeking a dependable pitcher who can handle the grind of a full season, Giolito remains a prime candidate. He’s still in his prime, and whoever signs him will likely reap the benefits of his experience and resilience in the rotation.