The Atlanta Braves were linked to a number of starting pitchers this past offseason. They ultimately did not upgrade their rotation, though. After it was recently announced that both Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep are dealing with injuries, rumors began to swirl once again. According to MLB insider Ken Rosenthal, however, the Braves are not interested in two of the top remaining starting pitchers in free agency.
The Braves, among other teams facing starting pitching injuries, don't seem as intrigued by Lucas Giolito or Zack Littell as you'd expect at the moment, says @Ken_Rosenthal. pic.twitter.com/PELbxh9qT0
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) February 23, 2026
Rosenthal pointed to the fact that Bryce Elder and Joey Wentz are both out of options. As a result, they would be placed on waivers if demoted to the minor leagues. Rosenthal reports that the Braves "evidently" don't believe signing Lucas Giolito or Zack Littell would be worth the possibility of losing Elder and/or Wentz off waivers.
"They don't feel Giolito and Littell are enough of an upgrade, I guess, over Wentz and Bryce Elder," Rosenthal said.
What about Max Scherzer?
"Scherzer is also out there," Rosenthal added. "But Scherzer, it looks like, looks like he might be headed back to Toronto."
Scherzer landing with the Toronto Blue Jays would make sense, as previous reports have echoed a similar sentiment. However, Giolito and Littell remain available.
Lucas Giolito, Zack Littell
Littell spent 2025 with the Tampa Bay Rays and Cincinnati Reds. He ended up making a total of 32 starts, pitching to a 3.81 ERA. He'd be a good depth starter for a number of ball clubs.
Giolito pitched well with the Boston Red Sox a season ago. He recorded a 3.41 ERA across 26 starts.
The fact that both starters remain un-signed is surprising. One has to imagine they will land a deal sooner rather than later, but it apparently won't be with the Braves unless Atlanta changes its approach.
It is worth noting that Elder was an All-Star in 2023. He has not been the same pitcher since, as he recorded a 5.30 ERA in 2025. Wentz spent time with the Braves, Pittsburgh Pirates and Minnesota Twins last year, finishing the campaign with a 5.60 ERA across 39 total appearances (13 starts).
Elder has displayed signs of potential in the past and Wentz offers versatility given his ability to start or pitch in relief, but not signing Giolito or Littell because Elder and Wentz don't have options would obviously be a questionable move. It would be different if Atlanta was not looking to compete, but the Braves feature an overall talented ball club and would benefit from bringing in at least one more veteran starter amid Schwellenbach and Waldrep's injury concerns.