Reds News: Derek Johnson's replacement, Spencer Steer's prognosis, Dane Myers surgery

Cincinnati Reds owner Phil Castellini, team president Nick Krall, and GM Brad Meador entertained a Q&A session with the media on Thursday. The trio covered a litany of topics, from the Reds' pitching philosophy to a long-term contract for superstar shortstop Elly De La Cruz; the two sides are nowhere close in case you were wondering.

One of the biggest bits of news to emerge from Thursday was the Reds' search for a new Major League pitching coach. Krall confirmed on Thursday that Derek Johnson — who'd been on a leave of absence since June — would not return in 2027.

The path toward hiring a new pitching coach is already underway. Assistant pitching coach Matt Tracy and bullpen coach Oscar Marin have already interviewed for the job. Krall mentioned that finding a new pitching coach would be one of the first steps the organization takes this offseason, and he hopes to find Johnson's successor quickly.

Reds News: Oscar Marin, Matt Tracy interview to replace Derek Johnson

Marin is arguably the more qualified of the two internal candidates. He served as the bullpen coach for the Texas Rangers in 2019 and was then hired by the Pittsburgh Pirates to be their pitching coach the following season. He spent five years in the Steel City, and oversaw the development of players like Jared Jones, Mitch Keller, and of course, Paul Skenes.

Tracy's résumé is a bit thinner. He played college baseball at Ole Miss, and was drafted by the New York Yankees in 2011. He played for three other organizations before joining the Toronto Blue Jays as a minor-league pitching coach in 2020. He was hired as the Reds' bullpen coach ahead of the 2023 campaign, and became the assistant pitching coach under Johnson's tutelage before the start of this season.

Reds manager Terry Francona will surely have something to say in regards to who the Reds hire to replace DJ, so his familiarity with Tracy and Marin should help their chances. Krall told the media that the Reds will not have a joint pitching coach/director of pitching role like they did when Johnson running the show.

Reds News: Spencer Steer, Dane Myers offseason injury update

Spencer Steer's 2026 season ended prematurely. The versatile utility players suffered a wrist injury at the end of July that required surgery. According to Meador, Steer underwent successful surgery earlier this week and is expected to return before spring training begins; though the impending lockout may give him more time to heel.

Most fans were probably unaware that Dane Myers played through an injury last season, though it's hardly difficult to image given how many times he scaled or crashed into the outfield wall. Meador mentioned during Thursday's press event that Myers will soon undergo a minor procedure on his AC joint (shoulder).

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