The Boston Red Sox parted ways with Lucas Giolito at the start of the 2026 offseason with little reason to consider a reunion. The starter simply wasn't consistent enough for the Red Sox to prioritize a potential offseason reunion leading to the blockbuster additions of Ranger Suarez and Sonny Gray.
Boston's rotation is now solidified, and it seemed that Giolito's market had died with little rumor or suggestion of a potential landing spot. That changed this past week with the New York Post's Jon Heyman reporting the Atlanta Braves are interested in the former Red Sox.
Atlanta, being a potential landing spot for Giolito, isn't a huge surprise when considering the direction the franchise has gone in the offseason. The Braves haven't been shy about offseason spending and have great top-of-the-rotation talent in Spencer Strider and Chris Sale. It makes sense to bring in Giolito to the bottom of the rotation in hopes that the starter can be the version of himself that Boston watched after the first weeks of the season.
Braves' Lucas Giolito Interest Keeps Ex-Red Sox RHP's Hopes Alive
Last May, Giolito struggled, offering a 4.85 ERA in five starts and was seemingly unable to keep the bases clear, even against underwhelming lineups. Boston never knew exactly which version of the pitcher would step on the mound after missing the previous year due to injury, yet those results were still underwhelming.
While Giolito put together a consistent final three months, ending his run with a 10-4 record and 3.41 ERA in 26 starts, a projected market value of $20.4 million on his next contract may have been too rich for the Red Sox's taste.
This set up a free agency period that has lacked any clear rumors or potential landing spots for Giolito. Other than the Detroit Tigers earlier this month, the Braves' reported interest in the ex-Boston arm's services marks the only time there's been some rule buzz surrounding Giolito this offseason.
Giolito jumping to the National League would keep the pitcher out of Boston's division and potential postseason path, allowing fans to hope for the best moving forward. For Giolito, it is a chance to join an established rotation dealing with little pressure or expectations on a roster that appears primed to return to postseason relevance.
No question, the surprise development seems the best case for both sides as we close in on spring training. It'll be interesting to see if Giolito does join the Braves, as that could put him on a collision course with the Red Sox ahead of the three-game series at Truist Park in mid-May.