Braves predicted to be forced into signing $61 million All-Star, former Cy Young candidate after latest Hurston Waldrep injury update

Braves predicted to be forced into signing $61 million All-Star, former Cy Young candidate after latest Hurston Waldrep injury update originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Atlanta Braves were already a mess when Spencer Schwellenbach was placed in the 60-day IL, but now they have a new problem: another starter, Hurston Waldrep, has also been placed on it.

Fansided’s Chris Landers predicts that the Braves will be forced to sign someone they’ve been linked to multiple times in the past, and get former All-Star Lucas Giolito in their rotation. However, Landers isn’t in love with the idea.

MORE: Mets predicted to cut ties with $2.5 million World Series champion, nine-time All-Star closer to make room in Devin Williams-led bullpen

“All winter long, Braves fans waited for their team to add some more pitching depth to the mix. Alex Anthopoulos suggested as much whenever he met with the media…Giolito's 3.41 ERA last season looks shiny, but the underlying metrics suggest he got very lucky. He also underwent UCL reconstruction in 2024, and ended last season on the IL with another elbow issue. He's a name-brand option and former Cy Young candidate, but that was a long time ago; at this point, he might just make Atlanta's problem even worse,” Kline wrote.

Giolito finished 2025 with a 10-4 record, a 3.41 ERA, 121 Ks, and a WHIP of 1.290 over 145 innings pitched. To be fair to Giolito, he was one of the better pitchers in baseball for a good portion of the 2025 season.

MORE: Proposed Reds trade sees Cincinnati land $100 million two-time All-Star, Platinum Glove after missing out on Kyle Schwarber

Currently, Giolito is projected to receive a three-year, $61 million deal. However, with him still being on the market just weeks away from Opening Day, the Braves could probably rent him for cheap.

At this point, getting Giolito would be better than doing nothing. Hopefully, the Braves realize this and get to work.

MORE MLB NEWS

Proposed Mets blockbuster trade sees New York land $100 million two-time All-Star, Platinum Glove to replace Pete Alonso

Proposed Yankees blockbuster trade sees New York land $100 million two-time All-Star to anchor outfield with Aaron Judge, Cody Bellinger

Red Sox predicted to part ways with $90 million .282 AVG star outfielder through trade, make more room for Jarren Duran and Co.