The Atlanta Braves could be looking to upgrade the middle of the rotation and have been connected to a deal with the White Sox, but not for Lucas Giolito.
Despite a number of twists and turns in the Atlanta Braves' trade deadline plans to this point, it seems like we might be right back where started. The need for a reliever has never changed, but it now appears that the need to trade for a starter to fill out the rotation is heightened once again with the latest updates on Kyle Wright. An upgrade in left field is still in play, too.
In terms of the starting pitching need, though, one name that has consistently been connected to the Red Sox for weeks now has been Chicago White Sox veteran Lucas Giolito, who is set to become a free agent this offseason. His contract status has made him one of the most coveted commodites at the MLB Trade Deadline — but he also might not be the only White Sox starter in play for the Braves.
Mike Petriello of MLB.com broke down several under-the-radar trade candidates recently, naming veteran Lance Lynn among them. And one of the best fits listed for the White Sox righty was, in fact, the Atlanta Braves.
MLB Rumors: Braves connected to Lance Lynn trade with White Sox
As Petriello noted, Lynn's trade value is a conundrum in some aspects. The veteran has long been a reliable cog in any rotation, but his ERA has ballooned north of 6.00 on the year with a 1.44 WHIP accompanied it. At the same time, his track record combined with the fact that he's remained dominant against right-handed hitters and an improved strikeout rate make him interesting.
For the Braves, Lynn would be in an ideal spot to shore up the starting rotation. He wouldn't be asked to come in and save the group, rather just to slot in behind Spencer Strider, a soon-returning Max Fried, Bryce Elder and Charlie Morton. Moreover, the protection from the Braves lineup would alleviate some pressure off of Lynn.
Perhaps more importantly, Lynn has an $18 million club option for the 2024 season, meaning that he's essentially a rental option for Atlanta. That could mean that his price could be relatively cheap on the trade market, thus allowing the Braves to address the bullpen and other needs at the deadline. Lynn's numbers would also likely mean he'd be less costly than the aforementioned Giolito.
The best thing any contender looking to buy at the trade deadline can have is options. And on the White Sox alone, the Braves now have a couple who could help the cause with their starting pitching.