Trade season has officially arrived in Atlanta, as Mark Feinsand reports the Braves have acquired RHP Pierce Johnson from the Rockies in exchange for Victor Vodnik and Tanner Gordon.
Pierce Johnson is an interesting acquisition. He owns a 6.00 ERA this season, but he’s striking out an absurd 13.4 batters per nine innings. He’s also saved 13 games in 15 attempts, so he has plenty of experience in high leverage situations.
The Braves must feel that Johnson moving out of Coors Field could do him wonders. From 2020-2022 with the Padres, he posted a combined 3.39 ERA, 3.19 FIP, and 12.1 K/9. His splits this season are also much more encouraging away from home, posting a 4.11 ERA and 2.31 FIP with 29 strikeouts over just 15.1 innings on the road.
I’ve been begging for the Braves to add to the bullpen, and I like this play. Pierce Johnson is a high powered arm that has had a lot of success in the past. The combination of getting out of Coors Field and joining a contender with a much better coaching staff could net a lot of positives.
The prospects the Braves gave away are intriguing, particularly Victor Vodnik, but he’s a relief pitcher that wasn’t going to contribute for at least a year. Gordon owns a 5.86 ERA across AA-AAA this season. At 25-years-old, it’s hard imagining him having much success at the major-league level at any point. For a team like the Braves in win-now mode, trading away meddling prospects shouldn’t be much of a concern.
Welcome to Atlanta, Pierce Johnson!
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