The Cincinnati Reds have successfully addressed a key offseason need by securing the services of right-handed reliever Pierce Johnson. The free-agent pitcher, who became available after the 2025 season, has agreed to a deal with the National League club, adding a dependable arm to their bullpen. While specific contract terms like length and value remain undisclosed, the signing marks a significant move for the Reds' pitching staff.
Johnson's Career Path and 2025 Performance
Pierce Johnson spent the 2025 campaign with the Atlanta Braves, where he established himself as a reliable option out of the bullpen. He appeared in 65 games, pitching 59 innings and recording an impressive 3.05 ERA. His ability to miss bats was evident with a 24.8% strikeout rate. Despite this solid performance, the Braves opted not to exercise their $7 million club option for the 2026 season, setting Johnson free on the market.
His journey to Cincinnati includes valuable experience within the National League West division. Before his stint in Atlanta, Johnson pitched for the Colorado Rockies, San Diego Padres, and San Francisco Giants. This history gives him intimate knowledge of the competition the Reds will face, adding strategic value to his signing.
Arizona Diamondbacks' Desperate Bullpen Hunt
Johnson's move to Cincinnati is a direct blow to the Arizona Diamondbacks, who had identified him as a prime target. Coming off a rough 2025 season where their bullpen finished 27th in MLB with a 4.82 ERA and suffered the second-highest blown saves (29), the D-Backs are in urgent need of reinforcement.
Their situation was exacerbated by significant injuries. Key relievers A.J. Puk and Justin Martinez both required elbow surgery in June 2025 and are expected to begin the 2026 season on the 60-day injured list. This has created a critical void in the late innings, specifically for a "bridge closer" who can handle ninth-inning duties until the regulars return.
While Arizona retained Kevin Ginkel and Ryan Thompson for their final arbitration year, concerns persist. Ginkel's durability is a question mark after elbow issues in 2024 spring training and two injured list stints in 2025 due to shoulder problems.
Shrinking Market for Relievers
The timing of Johnson's signing intensifies Arizona's challenge. The 2025-2026 offseason market for relievers has been highly active, with many top-tier arms commanding contracts of $10 million or more per year and signing quickly with playoff-contending teams. Johnson's removal from the board further depletes an already thin pool of available talent.
The Diamondbacks have limited financial flexibility and have already traded an asset, sending outfielder Jake McCarthy to the Colorado Rockies for a pitching prospect. Their options are now narrowing to the remaining free agents.
Seranthony Dominguez is currently viewed as the best reliever left available. Industry projections suggest he could land a two-year deal worth between $16 million to $18 million. Other names still on the market include Michael Kopech, Luke Jackson, Rafael Montero, and Jose Leclerc. The trade market offers little solace, with Pittsburgh's Dennis Santana being one of the few somewhat reliable options mentioned.
For the Cincinnati Reds, the acquisition of Pierce Johnson represents a strategic upgrade to their relief corps. For the Arizona Diamondbacks, it signifies a missed opportunity and adds more pressure to a front office that must find creative solutions to fix one of baseball's most troubled bullpens before the 2026 season begins.
