Apr 1, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Reds pitching coach Derek Johnson (36) walks off the field in the seventh inning against the Texas Rangers at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

Derek Johnson Makes Surprising Comment About Reds Starting Rotation

Originally posted on Cincinnati Reds on SI
By Greg Kuffner | Last updated Jan 21, 2026 3:52 PM ET

Cincinnati Reds Director of Pitching appeared on Foul Territory on Wednesday and discussed multiple topics, including who will be in competition to win the fifth starter role in Spring Training.

"I can give you three guys that would probably be in that mold of things," Johnson said. "You're talking about Brandon Williamson, who has been here a little bit; he was hurt all of last year. Rhett Lowder, who was here at the end of two years ago. Same thing, he had an oblique issue and ended up just not having much of a season. And then you have Chase Burns."

Everyone knew Lowder and Burns would compete for the fifth starter role, but hearing Brandon Williamson's name in the discussion was a bit of a surprise.

The left-hander has appeared in 27 games over the 2023 and 2024 seasons with the Reds and has an ERA of 4.39, a WHIP of 1.256, and 110 strikeouts in 131 1/3 innings.

At the end of the 2024 season, Williamson injured his arm and underwent Tommy John surgery, forcing him to miss the entire 2025 season.

"Brandon Williamson, man, a couple of years ago was pretty good. He hung into games with us and really kind of got us a shot in the arm when we needed it."

While it would be a surprise to see Williamson win the job over Lowder or Burns, it was certainly interesting to hear Johnson talk about the possibility of it happening.

You see Johnson's full interview below: