Reds add quality depth to bullpen in Pierce Johnson

Regardless of not touchdown their dream free agent in designated hitter Kyle Schwarber this offseason, the Cincinnati Reds are nonetheless making an attempt to be aggressive within the Nationwide League Central in 2026 with the roster they’re constructing.

After making small strikes this offseason, the Reds not too long ago made considerably of a splash by finalizing a take care of right-handed reliever Pierce Johnson, in response to New York Post columnist Jon Heyman. 

With the entire high relievers/closers already off the market, the pickings for a high bullpen arm have been slim, however Johnson has confirmed he is likely one of the higher late-inning and center relievers nonetheless out there. Spending the previous two seasons with the Atlanta Braves, Johnson had a strong season in 2025, pitching to a 3-3 record with a 3.05 ERA, whereas recording one save and putting out 59 batters in 59.0 innings.

Pierce Johnson will add some high quality depth to a median Reds bullpen

The Purple did not have an important bullpen in 2025, however it wasn’t the worst one — rating because the 14th-best bullpen ERA (3.89) and fifteenth in saves with 41 in 63 opportunities. Nearer Emilio Pagan recorded 32 of these 41 saves and can doubtless be supervisor Terry Francona’s nearer heading into 2026.

With Pagan prone to get the primary crack at closing, Francona might look to make the most of Johnson as both a setup man for Pagan or decide and select his utilization of him. Johnson has proven he is able to dealing with a late-inning function, with a profession ERA of two.68 within the seventh (90.2 innings) and a 2.54 ERA within the eighth (85.0 innings), making him an ideal candidate to arrange Pagan and assist elevate a Reds bullpen heading into subsequent season.