Reds Add Veteran Arm to Bullpen Mix
The Cincinnati Reds have made a move to strengthen their pitching staff, agreeing to a one-year, $6.5 million contract with right-handed reliever Pierce Johnson. The deal, which includes a club option for a second year, brings a seasoned arm with recent playoff experience to a Reds bullpen looking to take the next step.
A Familiar Foe Becomes a Friend
For Johnson, the decision to join Cincinnati came with a strong personal endorsement. His best friend, Emilio Pagán, is the Reds’ closer, and the two have been teammates before. Johnson recounted Pagán’s recruiting pitch after Pagán re-signed with Cincinnati: “He was like, ‘You’re coming here. We’re getting it done.'” That existing relationship and familiarity with the organization played a significant role in Johnson’s choice.
Johnson also brings firsthand knowledge of the Reds’ capabilities from the other side of the field. Having faced them while with other teams, he recognized their potential. “You could see the talent,” Johnson said, acknowledging the young core that made Cincinnati a formidable opponent last season.
What Johnson Brings to Cincinnati
The 32-year-old reliever is coming off a solid season split between the Colorado Rockies and the Atlanta Braves. He posted a combined 3.57 ERA over 58 appearances, striking out 73 batters in 58 innings. His performance was particularly sharp after a mid-season trade to Atlanta, where he became a reliable setup man in their march to the playoffs.
Johnson’s primary weapon is a sharp curveball, a pitch that has consistently generated swings and misses throughout his career. He provides Manager David Bell with a veteran, high-leverage option who can bridge the gap to Pagán in the late innings. His experience in pressure situations, including the 2023 postseason with Atlanta, adds a layer of depth to a relatively young Reds pitching corps.
Context of the Reds’ Offseason
This signing is part of a broader effort by the Reds to supplement their exciting young roster with proven veterans. The team surprised many by contending for much of the 2023 season, fueled by a wave of talented rookies. The front office’s focus this winter has been on adding stability and experience to help that young core take the final step into consistent playoff contention.
Securing Johnson on a one-year deal with an option represents a low-risk, potentially high-reward move for Cincinnati. If he performs as he did in Atlanta, he will be a crucial piece of the bullpen puzzle. For Pierce Johnson, it’s a chance to reunite with a close friend and contribute to a team on the rise, a prospect that clearly excites the new Reds reliever.
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