Reds add quality depth to bullpen in Pierce Johnson

Despite not landing their dream free agent in designated hitter Kyle Schwarber this offseason, the Cincinnati Reds are still trying to be competitive in the National League Central in 2026 with the roster they're building.

After making small moves this offseason, the Reds recently made somewhat of a splash by finalizing a deal with right-handed reliever Pierce Johnson, according to New York Post columnist Jon Heyman. 

With all of the top relievers/closers already off the market, the pickings for a top bullpen arm were slim, but Johnson has proven he is one of the better late-inning and middle relievers still available. Spending the past two seasons with the Atlanta Braves, Johnson had a solid season in 2025, pitching to a 3-3 record with a 3.05 ERA, while recording one save and striking out 59 batters in 59.0 innings.

Pierce Johnson will add some quality depth to an average Reds bullpen

The Red didn't have a great bullpen in 2025, but it wasn't the worst one — ranking as the 14th-best bullpen ERA (3.89) and 15th in saves with 41 in 63 opportunities. Closer Emilio Pagan recorded 32 of those 41 saves and will likely be manager Terry Francona’s closer heading into 2026.

With Pagan likely to get the first crack at closing, Francona could look to utilize Johnson as either a setup man for Pagan or pick and choose his usage of him. Johnson has shown he's capable of handling a late-inning role, with a career ERA of 2.68 in the seventh (90.2 innings) and a 2.54 ERA in the eighth (85.0 innings), making him a perfect candidate to set up Pagan and help elevate a Reds bullpen heading into next season.