Atlanta Braves Rumors: 3 trade deadline deals to make, 2 to avoid

Braves trade to make: Lucas Giolito

Lucas Giolito knows his future is uncertain. The Chicago White Sox are losing — a lot, I might add — and the team is likely to sell at the trade deadline. Giolito, being a rental for a contending team, could net them a decent prospect return. So far this season, he is 4-4 with a 4.08 ERA and 1.259 WHIP. With the right pitching staff around him, Giolito can be a top-of-the-rotation starter. Why not Atlanta, with Max Fried, Kyle Wright and Spencer Strider to lead the way?

Asked just a few days ago about the possibility of being moved, Giolito has embraced the possibility of moving elsewhere.

“The fortunate part of it is that none of that stuff is relevant until after the season is over,” Giolito told the Chicago Sun-Times. “It’s all about living in the present and pitching in the present. It’s about going out and giving us a chance to win every time.”

It seems unlikely that Giolito will sign long term in Chicago. He’s making just over $10 million in his final season of arbitration. The player himself is open to just about anything.

“I think there is a possibility for anything, really,” he said. “We’ll see how that plays out.”

Giolito would be affordable for Atlanta. Alex Anthopoulos likes affordable. Perhaps a package with Giolito and Tim Anderson could be on the table? Either way, expect Anthopoulos to place a call to White Sox general manager Rick Hahn.