Reds bullpen is rounding into form after Cincy signs former Braves reliever

Following the Cincinnati Reds' failed pursuit of free agent slugger Kyle Schwarber many fans have been feeling as if the front office was just going through the motions this offseason. Most of the team's inquiries appeared to be largely performative, and Reds fans were growing tired of watching their favorite team shop in the clearance aisle rather than make meaningful upgrades this winter.

Despite the team's obvious need for a power-bat in the middle of the lineup, Reds president of baseball operations Nick Krall had put a special emphasis on the bullpen. Cincinnati's search for relief help has been well documented, and on Sunday, the Reds continued to add to their coffers.

Cincinnati finalized a deal with the veteran right-hander Pierce Johnson this weekend after being linked to the former Atlanta Braves reliever earlier this winter. Johnson's signing marks the third veteran arm added to the relief corp since the offseason began.

Reds continue to bolster the bullpen after signing former Braves reliever Pierce Johnson

Johnson's signing likely puts an end to any type of reunion plans the Reds may have had Scott Barlow or Brent Suter. Cincinnati declined the club-options of both veteran relievers earlier this offseason, though many fans assumed one or both could've been re-signed. Johnson's presence in the bullpen, however, would seem to fill the role that both those players held in 2025.

Johnson had been one of the Braves best relievers for the last couple of seasons. He combined to average more than 61 appearances per game since 2024 while posting a 3.36 ERA across 115⅓ innings of work. It can be assumed that he'll join Emilio Pagán, Tony Santillan, Graham Ahscraft, and Caleb Ferguson at the backend of the Reds bullpen next season, and the remainder of the roles will be claimed before the team breaks camp in March.

The details of Johnson's deal with the Reds have yet to be revealed, though it's safe to assume that it's likely a one-year contract. Cincinnati continues to overlook their need for a power-bat this offseason, and Johnson's signing will only bring the Reds' payroll closer to last year's number — a figure they're unlikely to cross this offseason.