MLB trade rumors: Atlanta Braves linked with $38.5 million Boston Red Sox star pitcher after Jurickson Profar suspension

The Atlanta Braves are dealing with a sudden roster issue after Jurickson Profar was suspended for the entire 2026 season. The veteran outfielder tested positive for exogenous testosterone and received a 162-game ban under MLB’s drug policy.

The suspension took effect on March 6, leaving the Braves without a player they expected to be a regular part of the lineup.The situation has also revived talk about pitching help. Atlanta already had questions about rotation depth because of injuries to young pitchers. With one roster problem already forcing adjustments, the Braves have been mentioned as a possible landing spot for free-agent starter Lucas Giolito.

Jurickson Profar suspension forces lineup changes

Jurickson Profar signed a three-year contract worth $42 million with Atlanta and was expected to start in left field. The 33-year-old switch hitter had a strong 2025 season, batting .280 with 24 home runs.Those plans changed when he failed a drug test. The positive test for exogenous testosterone triggered a full-season suspension. It was his second violation in two years under MLB’s Drug Prevention program.Atlanta now has to fill the open spot in the lineup and find other options at designated hitter or in the outfield.

The team’s core players remain in place, including Ronald Acuña Jr., Michael Harris II, and Austin Riley. Still, losing Profar removes a bat that the team expected to rely on.

Lucas Giolito remains one of the top free agents

Lucas Giolito is still available in free agency. The 31-year-old right-handed pitcher spent the 2025 season with Boston and finished with a 10-4 record and a 3.41 ERA. He threw 145 innings, recorded 121 strikeouts, and posted a 1.29 WHIP.After declining a mutual option with the Red Sox following his recovery from elbow surgery, Giolito entered free agency again.

Several contenders have shown interest, including the Braves, Padres, Phillies, and Mets. Reports suggest offers could reach around $20 million per year.Atlanta Braves’ interest is tied to injuries in its pitching pipeline. Prospects Hurston Waldrep and Spencer Schwellenbach both had elbow surgery and are expected to miss time until the summer. That leaves fewer options behind the current group of Chris Sale, Reynaldo López, and Spencer Strider.

Possible contract structure for Giolito

Signing Lucas Giolito would not involve a trade because he is a free agent. The Atlanta Braves would only need to agree to a contract.The expected price is between $40 million and $60 million on a multi-year deal. One possible structure is two years for $40 million with incentives tied to innings pitched, similar to clauses he had in Boston.Atlanta could move quickly if it decides to pursue him. The payroll impact of Profar’s suspension may also give the team room to add another pitcher.

How Lucas Giolito would fit in the Atlanta Braves rotation

Atlanta already has several established starters, but injuries have reduced its depth. Giolito would likely join the middle of the rotation and provide another experienced arm.

Giolito’s numbers from 2025 would place him in the middle of the group and give the Braves another pitcher capable of working regular innings.

Pros and concerns for Atlanta

Lucas Giolito would add experience and innings to a rotation that already includes Chris Sale and Spencer Strider.

His track record could help stabilize the staff while younger pitchers recover from injuries.There are still concerns. Giolito dealt with minor elbow issues late in the 2025 season. His fielding independent pitching numbers were also higher than his ERA, which may raise questions about consistency. A contract worth around $20 million per season would also add to a payroll that already includes large deals for players like Matt Olson and Austin Riley.

What the move could mean for the Atlanta Braves

If the Braves sign Giolito, the team would add another starter without giving up prospects. He would likely take a role near the top of the rotation while pitchers like Bryce Elder move into depth roles.Also read: MLB trade rumors: Cincinnati Reds potentially eyeing another reunion with $108 million Seattle Mariners pitcher after recent Eugenio Suarez signingAtlanta is trying to stay competitive in the National League East. Adding a starter with Giolito’s experience could help the team handle injuries and maintain rotation stability during the season.