{"id":171721,"date":"2026-04-01T07:07:54","date_gmt":"2026-04-01T07:07:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=171721"},"modified":"2026-04-01T07:07:54","modified_gmt":"2026-04-01T07:07:54","slug":"%f0%9f%9a%a8pressure-building-the-atlanta-braves-are-being-urged-to-add-frankie-montas-or-a-former-38-5m-boston-red-sox-all-star-is-this-a-necessary-push-to-contend-or-a-desperate-move-tha","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=171721","title":{"rendered":"\ud83d\udea8PRESSURE BUILDING: The Atlanta Braves are being urged to add Frankie Montas or a former $38.5M Boston Red Sox All-Star \u2014 is this a necessary push to contend or a DESPERATE move that could backfire? If they stand pat, are they risking wasting another window?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Braves Urged to Sign Frankie Montas or Lucas Giolito Amid Mounting Rotation Injuries<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Braves<\/p>\n

The Atlanta Braves<\/span><\/span> entered the 2026 MLB season with high expectations, but early injuries to key pitchers have already created concern around the team\u2019s starting rotation depth. As a result, analysts are now urging the front office to explore the free-agent market\u2014specifically targeting experienced arms like Frankie Montas<\/span><\/span> and Lucas Giolito<\/span><\/span>.<\/p>\n

With the season still in its early stages, the Braves are facing a critical decision: trust their current depth or make a strategic move to reinforce the rotation before issues escalate.<\/p>\n

\n

Braves Rotation Hit by Early Injury Setbacks<\/h2>\n

\"Braves<\/p>\n

Atlanta\u2019s pitching concerns stem from multiple injuries that have already impacted their depth chart.<\/p>\n

    \n
  • Hurston Waldrep<\/span><\/span> is currently on the 15-day injured list after undergoing a procedure to remove loose bodies from his throwing elbow<\/li>\n
  • Spencer Schwellenbach<\/span><\/span> has been placed on the 60-day IL with elbow discomfort<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    These setbacks have forced the Braves to rely more heavily on their remaining starters, placing additional pressure on the rotation early in the season.<\/p>\n

    For a team with postseason aspirations, this is far from an ideal scenario.<\/p>\n

    \n

    Heavy Reliance on Chris Sale and Limited Depth<\/h2>\n

    At the top of the rotation, Chris Sale<\/span><\/span> continues to anchor the staff. However, beyond him, questions remain about consistency and durability.<\/p>\n

    Even with Spencer Strider<\/span><\/span> expected to return in the coming weeks, there are concerns about whether the current group can sustain success over a full season.<\/p>\n

    Pitching depth is critical in today\u2019s MLB, where injuries and workload management often determine a team\u2019s long-term success. Without reinforcements, Atlanta risks overextending its available arms.<\/p>\n

    \n

    Why the Braves Are Being Linked to Frankie Montas<\/h2>\n

    Among the available free agents, Frankie Montas is viewed as a potential \u201clow-risk, high-reward\u201d option.<\/p>\n

    What Montas Brings:<\/h3>\n
      \n
    • Veteran experience across multiple teams<\/li>\n
    • Proven ability to perform at a high level when healthy<\/li>\n
    • Potential upside at a relatively lower cost<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      However, Montas comes with significant risk. He has struggled with injuries in recent years, including a UCL tear that limited his time with the New York Mets<\/span><\/span>.<\/p>\n

      Despite that, his profile aligns with the Braves\u2019 typical approach under Alex Anthopoulos<\/span><\/span>\u2014targeting undervalued players who could outperform expectations.<\/p>\n

      \n

      Lucas Giolito: High Upside, Higher Cost<\/h2>\n

      The other name frequently mentioned is Lucas Giolito, a former All-Star who most recently pitched for the Boston Red Sox<\/span><\/span>.<\/p>\n

      Giolito\u2019s 2025 Season:<\/h3>\n
        \n
      • 3.41 ERA<\/li>\n
      • 121 strikeouts<\/li>\n
      • 26 starts<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        On paper, Giolito appears to be the more reliable option compared to Montas. However, there are two key obstacles:<\/p>\n

          \n
        1. Contract Expectations<\/strong> \u2013 Giolito is likely seeking a larger deal, which may not align with Atlanta\u2019s current payroll strategy<\/li>\n
        2. Recent Inconsistency<\/strong> \u2013 While effective in 2025, his performance has fluctuated in prior seasons<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

          For the Braves, signing Giolito would represent a more aggressive\u2014and expensive\u2014move.<\/p>\n

          \n

          Do These Moves Actually Solve the Problem?<\/h2>\n

          The big question is whether adding Montas or Giolito would truly address Atlanta\u2019s pitching concerns.<\/p>\n

          Pros:<\/h3>\n
            \n
          • Immediate depth boost<\/li>\n
          • Veteran presence in the rotation<\/li>\n
          • Insurance against further injuries<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

            Cons:<\/h3>\n
              \n
            • Both pitchers carry injury histories<\/li>\n
            • Financial commitment (especially with Giolito)<\/li>\n
            • No guarantee of consistent performance<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

              In essence, the Braves would be trading one form of risk (lack of depth) for another (injury-prone additions).<\/p>\n

              \n

              Braves\u2019 Front Office Philosophy<\/h2>\n

              Under Alex Anthopoulos, the Braves have built a reputation for calculated, strategic moves rather than splashy signings.<\/p>\n

              This makes Montas a more likely target than Giolito.<\/p>\n

              Atlanta has often succeeded by:<\/p>\n

                \n
              • Identifying undervalued talent<\/li>\n
              • Avoiding long-term financial risk<\/li>\n
              • Trusting player development<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                If the front office believes the current rotation can stabilize once players return from injury, they may choose patience over urgency.<\/p>\n

                \n

                Internal Options vs. External Additions<\/h2>\n

                Another factor to consider is the Braves\u2019 internal pipeline.<\/p>\n

                The organization has several young pitchers who could:<\/p>\n

                  \n
                • Step into temporary roles<\/li>\n
                • Provide innings while injured starters recover<\/li>\n
                • Gain valuable MLB experience<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                  However, relying solely on internal options can be risky for a team with championship ambitions.<\/p>\n

                  \n

                  Timing Is Everything<\/h2>\n

                  One of the most important elements in this situation is timing.<\/p>\n

                    \n
                  • Early in the season, teams are often cautious about making major moves<\/li>\n
                  • As the trade deadline approaches, more options may become available<\/li>\n
                  • The Braves may prefer to evaluate their roster further before committing<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                    Signing a free agent now could stabilize the rotation\u2014but waiting could provide better opportunities.<\/p>\n

                    \n

                    What Happens When Spencer Strider Returns?<\/h2>\n

                    The expected return of Spencer Strider adds another layer to the decision-making process.<\/p>\n

                    If Strider returns at full strength:<\/p>\n

                      \n
                    • The rotation immediately improves<\/li>\n
                    • Pressure on other starters decreases<\/li>\n
                    • The urgency to sign a free agent may lessen<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                      However, relying on a single return to fix depth issues can be risky, especially given the unpredictable nature of pitcher health.<\/p>\n

                      \n

                      Final Takeaway<\/h2>\n

                      The Atlanta Braves are facing an early-season test of their pitching depth, and the idea of signing Frankie Montas or Lucas Giolito reflects a broader concern: can this rotation hold up over a full season?<\/strong><\/p>\n

                        \n
                      • Montas offers a cost-effective, high-upside gamble<\/li>\n
                      • Giolito provides a more proven but expensive solution<\/li>\n
                      • Both come with risks that the Braves must carefully weigh<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                        Ultimately, Atlanta\u2019s decision will come down to balancing short-term needs with long-term strategy.<\/p>\n

                        For now, the situation remains fluid. But if injuries persist or performance declines, don\u2019t be surprised if the Braves make a move to reinforce their rotation\u2014because in a competitive league, standing still is rarely an option.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

                        <\/div>\n
                        \n
                        <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n
                        <\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                        Braves Urged to Sign Frankie Montas or Lucas Giolito Amid Mounting Rotation Injuries The Atlanta Braves entered the 2026 MLB season with high expectations, but early injuries… <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":171722,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-171721","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mlb"],"yoast_head":"\n\ud83d\udea8PRESSURE BUILDING: The Atlanta Braves are being urged to add Frankie Montas or a former $38.5M Boston Red Sox All-Star \u2014 is this a necessary push to contend or a DESPERATE move that could backfire? 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