Atlanta Braves interested in free agent right-handers Chris Bassitt, Lucas Giolito
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The Atlanta Braves are exploring options to bolster their starting rotation and have shown specific interest in free agents Chris Bassitt and Lucas Giolito.
Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported on MLB Network (video link) that Atlanta is in the market for some form of rotation upgrade, specifically listing right-handers Chris Bassitt and Lucas Giolito as free agents of interest.
The Atlanta Braves have expressed interest in RHP Lucas Giolito and RHP Chris Bassitt, according to Jon Heyman.
Bassitt, who will turn 37 next month, has been one of the more durable starters in baseball over the past six seasons.
During that span, he ranks seventh in games started and eighth in innings pitched across the majors.
He's compiled a 3.57 ERA with a 22.7% strikeout rate, a 7.2% walk rate, and a 44% ground-ball rate - all figures that are right around league average or slightly better.
Reliability has been a hallmark of Bassitt's career. He has made at least 30 starts and logged 170 or more innings in four consecutive seasons for the Blue Jays.
Bassitt's team first mentality and clubhouse leadership are attractive traits for contending teams
In 2025, he delivered 170 1/3 innings with a 3.96 ERA, producing underlying numbers that closely mirrored his performance over the previous six years.
Bassitt also impressed in the postseason with the Blue Jays, seamlessly transitioning into a relief role.
Chris Bassitt's 2Ks in the 9th.
Across 8 2/3 innings, he surrendered just one run on three hits and two walks while striking out 10 batters.
Any concerns surrounding Bassitt stem more from age than recent performance.
He is set to pitch the upcoming season at 37, and while his results remained solid in 2025, his average fastball velocity dipped to a career-low 91.5 mph.
His previous low was 92.4 mph in 2023, followed by a modest rebound to 92.6 mph in 2024 before the drop last season.
Even so, the velocity decline did not hinder his effectiveness. Bassitt actually posted improved strikeout and swinging-strike rates in 2025 compared to 2024, suggesting he remains capable of missing bats despite the reduced velocity.
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| POLL | ||
JANVIER 28|33 ANSWERS Atlanta Braves interested in free agent right-handers Chris Bassitt, Lucas Giolito Do you think the Atlanta Braves will sign Chris Bassitt or Lucas Giolito? | ||
| Chris Bassitt | 13 | 39.4 % |
| Lucas Giolito | 9 | 27.3 % |
| Both | 2 | 6.1 % |
| Neither | 9 | 27.3 % |
| List of polls | ||