Reds make expected bullpen sacrifice after Pierce Johnson signing becomes official

The Cincinnati Reds made their acquisition of Pierce Johnson official on Thursday afternoon. The former Atlanta Braves reliever signed a one-year deal with the Reds that includes a mutual option for the 2027 season. Initial reports revealed that Johnson's deal is worth a guaranteed $6.5 million.

But since the Reds' 40-man roster was completely full, a corresponding move needed to be made. Cincinnati made the most logical move left on the board and designated reliever Yosver Zulueta for assignment.

Zulueta was plucked off waivers by the Reds prior to the start of the 2024 season after he was DFA'd by the Toronto Blue Jays. He made 12 appearances for Cincinnati that season, and posted a rather unsightly 4.96 ERA. He showed some swing-and-miss stuff, however, and the Reds kept him on the roster throughout the following offseason. But Zulueta was rarely called upon in 2025, making just seven appearances in the big leagues last season

Reds DFA Yosver Zulueta to make room for Pierce Johnson

Zulueta spent most of the year pitching for the Reds Triple-A affiliate in Louisville. In his seven Major League appearances, Zulueta posted a 6.14 ERA, struck out five batters, and walked four. In his 44 appearances out of the Louisville Bats bullpen, the right-hander covered more than 60 innings and posted a 3.28 ERA.

With Zulueta gone, the Reds bullpen is beginning to take shape. Obviously Johnson will be part of the equation along with fellow free agent signee Caleb Ferguson. The Reds also inked Emilio Pagán to a two-year deal earlier this winter, and the right-hander is expected to return to his ninth-inning role as the club's closer in 2026.

There's little doubt that Tony Santillan will be anchoring the eighth inning on most nights, and one Graham Ashcraft and the Reds hash out their arbitration disagreement, he'll join the backend of the bullpen as well.

The final three spots are a little less obvious, but Connor Phillips will likely receive a long look in spring training. Sam Moll has the advantage of being the only other left-handed reliever on the roster aside from Ferguson, and both Luis Mey and Zach Maxwell impressed in 2025.

A few pitchers have undefined roles heading into camp. The trio of Brandon Williamson, Julian Aguiar, and Jose Franco are assumed to provide depth for the rotation, but one or more could find a home in the bullpen. Non-roster invitees Tejay Antone, Hagen Denner, and Lyon Richardson will also be given a chance to make the Reds Opening Day roster this spring.