Reds FeedBrandon Williamson
P · Age 28 · Bats Right · Throws Left
Where things stand
Brandon Williamson's late-season performance has left his 2027 rotation status uncertain. After posting a dominant six-inning shutout against Atlanta in late September, Williamson struggled in the Reds' season finale against Toronto, raising questions about whether he has secured a spot in Cincinnati's starting rotation. The 28-year-old pitcher, who missed time earlier in the year with shoulder fatigue and is recovering from Tommy John surgery, posted a 4.98 ERA for the full 2026 season, though he showed improvement with a 3.32 ERA over 20 innings in September before the finale.
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Brandon Williamson coverage
OVERHAUL: Cincinnati Reds Must HIRE External Pitching Coach After Derek Johnson's Departure
The Reds need to hire an external pitching coach to replace Derek Johnson and address the team's ongoing struggles with command and walk rates among their young rotation of Chase Burns, Andrew Abbott, Nick Lodolo, Rhett Lowder, and Brandon Williamson. The hosts argue that internal candidates like Matt Tracy and Oscar Marin are insufficient and that the organization must also prioritize strengthening its minor league pitching development to restore Cincinnati's reputation as a pitching factory. They discuss what went wrong in 2026 and what qualifications an outside hire must have to unlock the potential of this talented but underperforming staff.
Locked On RedsReviewing The Rays, Angels, And Reds Three-Team Trade
In a three-team trade, the Rays acquired Josh Lowe and Chris Clark from the Angels while Los Angeles received Gavin Lux, and Cincinnati got reliever Brock Burke and shed Lux's $5.525 million salary. Burke emerged as the clear winner, posting a 2.30 ERA across 74 1/3 innings with a league-leading 77 appearances for the Reds and positioning himself for free agency success. Lowe disappointed for the Angels, batting .209 with a 76 wRC+ and spending time in the minors, while Lux never played for Tampa Bay due to a shoulder injury that required multiple recovery setbacks. The Rays won the AL East despite getting no production from their trade acquisitions, relying instead on a second base platoon of Richie Palacios and Ben Williamson.
MLB Trade RumorsBrandon Williamson and Carson Spiers made life harder for the Reds this offseason
The Cincinnati Reds face rotation uncertainty heading into 2027 with only Chase Burns, Andrew Abbott, and Nick Lodolo locked in as starters, leaving multiple spots to fill after Brady Singer enters free agency. Brandon Williamson and Carson Spiers, both 28-year-old pitchers recovering from Tommy John surgery, had September opportunities to audition for rotation spots but failed to impress. Williamson posted a 5.94 ERA in Louisville before returning to the majors with a 5.70 FIP over 24⅔ innings, while Spiers allowed four home runs and five earned runs across just six September innings. Both pitchers' injury histories and poor late-season performance have complicated the Reds' plans to fill their rotation needs for next season.
Blog Red MachineA Cincinnati Reds offseason plan worth trying
The Cincinnati Reds need significant roster changes to compete in 2027, starting with signing multiple established hitters like Jazz Chisholm Jr., Ian Happ, and Randy Arozarena to replace underperforming players. The author recommends keeping Eugenio Suarez at third base and extending catcher Tyler Stephenson while building around shortstop Elly De La Cruz and first baseman Sal Stewart. On the pitching side, the team must address the coaching staff and add starting pitchers to support a rotation of Chase Burns, Andrew Abbott, Rhett Lowder, Nick Lodolo, and Brandon Williamson. The proposed lineup would feature average-to-above-average offensive production throughout, a significant improvement over 2026 when multiple everyday players posted extremely low offensive numbers.
Redleg NationREDS POSTCAST: The Cincinnati Reds Collapse as Brandon Williamson STRUGGLES in Finale vs. Toronto
The Cincinnati Reds' season ended with a 5-1 loss to Toronto, eliminating their playoff hopes and capping a disappointing 75-87 campaign. Brandon Williamson struggled in the finale with a three-inning outing, raising questions about the rotation's future, while the episode also highlights Carlos Jorge's opposite-field hitting and Sal Stewart's strong rookie season despite the team missing the postseason. The host reflects on the young core's inability to end the playoff drought and hints at potential offseason changes ahead.
Locked On RedsCincinnati Reds vs. Toronto Blue Jays – Brandon Williamson vs. Max Scherzer
The Cincinnati Reds and Toronto Blue Jays play their final games of the 2026 season today, with both teams finishing out of playoff contention. Max Scherzer takes the mound for Toronto in what could be his final career start, needing 11 strikeouts to pass Justin Verlander on the all-time strikeout list. Brandon Williamson starts for Cincinnati, while Reds outfielder Sal Stewart aims to boost his season OPS into the 800s and potentially lead the league in RBIs on this last day. First pitch is scheduled for 3:07 PM ET.
Red ReporterCincinnati Reds vs Toronto Blue Jays – September 27, 2026
The Cincinnati Reds and Toronto Blue Jays play the final game of the 2026 regular season at 3:07pm ET, with neither team making the playoffs. Brandon Williamson starts for Cincinnati with a 4.98 ERA this season, while 42-year-old Max Scherzer takes the mound for Toronto in what could potentially be his final career start. Scherzer enters with 3,550 career strikeouts and needs just 10 more to match Justin Verlander's recent milestone of 3,560. Elly De La Cruz is one run shy of reaching 100 for the year, and Sal Stewart will play in his 162nd consecutive game if he stays in the lineup.
Redleg NationBrandon Williamson has one more chance to reshape the Reds' 2027 plans
Brandon Williamson pitched six scoreless innings against Atlanta on Tuesday, allowing just three hits while inducing seven ground ball outs in his best start of the season. With Chase Burns sidelined by a groin strain, Williamson will make the Reds' final start of 2026 against Toronto on Sunday, and a strong performance could secure him a spot in Cincinnati's 2027 rotation. The Reds face significant rotation uncertainty heading into next season, as Hunter Greene will miss the year following Tommy John surgery and Brady Singer enters free agency. Williamson, who missed time earlier this year with shoulder fatigue, has posted a 3.32 ERA over 20 innings this month and could become a key piece alongside Lodolo, Burns, and Abbott.
Blog Red MachineREDS POSTCAST: Cincinnati Reds Celebrate Eugenio Suarez’s 350th HR, Elly De La Cruz CHASES 30/30
The Cincinnati Reds defeated the Atlanta Braves behind Brandon Williamson's dominant six-inning shutout performance. The episode highlights Eugenio Suarez reaching his 350th career home run and Elly De La Cruz's pursuit of the 30/30 milestone, while also examining the Reds' rotation depth with Andrew Abbott and Nick Lodolo as the team pushes for a late playoff run.
Locked On RedsElly De La Cruz homers again as the Reds shut out Atlanta
The Cincinnati Reds defeated the Atlanta Braves 4-0 behind three home runs and a combined shutout performance from their pitching staff. Elly De La Cruz homered in the third inning and finished 2-for-3 with two walks, while Dane Myers and Eugenio Suarez also went deep. Starter Brandon Williamson allowed no runs over six innings, and relievers Brock Burke and Tejay Antone kept Atlanta scoreless through the final three frames.
Redleg NationElly De La Cruz homers again as the Reds shut out Atlanta
The Cincinnati Reds defeated the Atlanta Braves 4-0 behind a strong pitching performance and three home runs in the series opener. Elly De La Cruz hit a two-out solo shot in the third inning to start the scoring, while Dane Myers and Eugenio Suarez also went deep. Brandon Williamson earned the win for Cincinnati, allowing no runs over six innings, and the Reds' bullpen preserved the shutout through the final three frames.
Redleg NationCincinnati Reds vs. Atlanta Braves – Brandon Williamson vs. JR Ritchie
Brandon Williamson will pitch for the Cincinnati Reds against JR Ritchie and the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday night at 7:15 PM ET in what is Cincinnati's second-to-last series of the season. The Braves have already clinched the NL East division title and have minimal chances of securing a first-round playoff bye.
Red ReporterCincinnati Reds vs. Atlanta Braves – September 22, 2026
The Cincinnati Reds (72-84) visit the Atlanta Braves (92-64) for a three-game series beginning Tuesday at Truist Park, with the Braves having clinched the NL East and locked into the #3 playoff seed. Reds left-hander Brandon Williamson will start against Braves rookie right-hander JR Ritchie, who was recently recalled from Triple-A after being demoted in early August. Williamson has shown improvement since returning from injury in early September but has struggled with an elevated walk rate of 13.8% and has allowed eight home runs in 43.2 innings this season. The Reds made roster moves ahead of the game, placing Tony Santillan on the injured list with a left hip labral tear and recalling Connor Phillips from Triple-A.
Redleg NationCHASING HISTORY: Cincinnati Reds’ Elly De La Cruz & Sal Stewart DOMINATE Final Stretch
The hosts examine Elly De La Cruz's pursuit of a 30-30 season and Sal Stewart's bid to become only the third rookie ever to lead the league in RBIs as the Reds enter their final stretch. They also discuss concerns about the team's rotation depth with Brandon Williamson's uncertain future, the front office's roster construction decisions, and the ongoing need to address bullpen weaknesses heading into the offseason.
Locked On RedsCincinnati Reds vs. Chicago Cubs – Clay Holmes vs. Chase Burns
Chase Burns takes the mound for Cincinnati in his final home start of the season as the Reds host the Cubs on Friday night. Chicago enters the game at 85-68 and currently leads the Wild Card standings alongside Philadelphia, though they hold only a one-game advantage over San Diego and remain four games ahead of Arizona in the playoff race. Clay Holmes starts for the Cubs, with the first pitch scheduled for 6:40 PM ET. Manager Terry Francona will need to adjust his usual bullpen plan after Brandon Williamson was used in mop-up duty earlier in the week.
Red ReporterReds must figure out a new plan for Chase Burns against Cubs
Chase Burns will start Friday for the Reds against the Cubs in their final home series, marking his 29th start of the season. The Reds' plan to have Brandon Williamson follow Burns in relief will need adjustment after Williamson pitched two innings Thursday against the Dodgers. Cincinnati's bullpen is depleted from the series loss to Los Angeles, with several relievers unavailable or having pitched heavily in recent days, though Brock Burke remains fresh. Manager Terry Francona indicated the team is still determining how to structure the pitching plan for Friday's game.
Blog Red MachineBrandon Williamson must fix one issue to stay in the Reds rotation plans
Brandon Williamson must improve his control to remain in the Cincinnati Reds' rotation plans for 2027. The 28-year-old left-hander has struggled with command this season, walking 20 batters before a four-month shoulder injury and continuing to issue walks at a high rate since returning in early September, with seven walks in 9⅔ innings across two appearances. His strike rate of 58% before the injury and 63% since returning both fall short of the league average of 64-65%, and his career 19% strikeout rate makes frequent walks particularly problematic for a starter. With Hunter Greene undergoing Tommy John surgery and Brady Singer potentially leaving in free agency, a rotation spot should be available, but Williamson will need to demonstrate better command to secure it.
Blog Red MachineOne bizarre Reds stat further emphasizes frustrating Hunter Greene reality
Hunter Greene's 2026 season was derailed by two separate elbow injuries that limited him to just 27⅔ innings pitched with a 6.83 ERA. He underwent surgery in spring training for bone spurs and loose bodies, returned in July with a strong performance against the Cubs, but then suffered a torn UCL that required Tommy John surgery and will keep him sidelined through 2027. The stat highlighting his struggles: backup catcher Jose Trevino appeared as a pitcher six times this season, more than Greene made total starts. Cincinnati's pitching rotation was further weakened by injuries to Nick Lodolo, Brandon Williamson, and Rhett Lowder, leaving the team to rely on depth arms like Kent Emanuel and Chris Paddack.
Blog Red MachineWhat we learned from how the Reds used Chase Burns against the Dodgers
Chase Burns pitched one inning without allowing a hit against the Dodgers on Monday, striking out Shohei Ohtani twice on 44 pitches before being replaced by Brandon Williamson. The Reds are implementing a plan to keep Burns healthy for 2027 by having him start every fifth day and pitch through the lineup once per appearance, with the goal of building him to around 157 innings for the season. This approach prioritizes his long-term development over his win total and velocity management, as the team prepares him for a full workload next year with Hunter Greene sidelined.
Red ReporterCincinnati Reds vs. Los Angeles Dodgers – Chase Burns vs. Emmett Sheehan
The Reds travel to Los Angeles to face the Dodgers on Monday night after winning their series against Milwaukee. Cincinnati will start Chase Burns, who is expected to have a limited pitch count with Brandon Williamson available to follow. The Dodgers counter with Emmett Sheehan, with first pitch scheduled for 9:10 PM ET.
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