Reds FeedPierce Johnson
P · Age 35 · Bats Right · Throws Right
Where things stand
There has been little recent news about Pierce Johnson. The provided material mentions him only once, in a blog post noting that the Reds spent nearly $24 million on free agents including Pierce Johnson for minimal return, as part of a broader discussion about the team's roster construction failures.
Synthesized by MLB Feed Network from the 34 stories below. How we write these
2026 season
Stats from the MLB Stats API.
Contract
See the full Reds payroll.
Pierce Johnson 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 RedsUNLOADING: Cincinnati Reds START Offseason by PARTING Ways With TJ Friedl, Will Benson
The Cincinnati Reds begin their offseason by losing several key contributors as TJ Friedl, Will Benson, and PJ Higgins elected free agency, while the team also lost Michael Toglia on waivers despite his minor league potential. The episode examines what these roster moves reveal about general manager Nick Krall's direction for the team following a disappointing 75-87 season, and discusses the departure of pitching coordinator Derek Johnson and its implications for the Reds' young pitching staff. The show also covers the cancellation of Reds Fest and the return of the broadcast team including John Sadak, Chris Welsh, and Barry Larkin.
Locked On RedsReds could steal Padres pitching coach with familiar Terry Francona link
The Cincinnati Reds are seeking a new pitching coach after Derek Johnson's departure, with their young arms like Hunter Greene and Andrew Abbott underperforming to produce the third-worst ERA in baseball in 2026. Ruben Niebla, the San Diego Padres' pitching coach who previously worked under Terry Francona in Cleveland, is a potential target, though he remains under contract with San Diego through 2027. Alternatively, Padres bullpen coach Ben Fritz could be promoted to the role after seven years developing one of the league's best bullpens, giving him the chance to work with Cincinnati's talented young pitchers under Francona's management.
Blog Red MachineReds got another reminder that the small-market excuse is dead
The Milwaukee Brewers, Cleveland Guardians, and Tampa Bay Rays have proven that small-market teams can compete without massive payrolls, challenging Cincinnati Reds leadership to abandon excuses for poor performance. The Brewers and Rays built their top-seeded rosters primarily through trades rather than free agency, while Cleveland developed most of its roster internally. The Reds have spent nearly $24 million on free agents Eugenio Suárez, JJ Bleday, Michael Toglia, and Pierce Johnson for minimal return, suggesting they should instead focus on acquiring undervalued trade pieces and developing prospects like Alfredo Duno, Cam Collier, and Tyson Lewis.
Blog Red MachineReds should make a bold run at Yankees coach after Derek Johnson's exit
Derek Johnson's departure as Cincinnati Reds pitching coach has left a vacancy the team should pursue aggressively, potentially by targeting Yankees pitching coach Matt Blake. Blake's contract with New York expires after this season, though the Yankees reportedly intend to retain him following a strong 2026 season in which their staff led baseball with a 3.24 ERA. The 41-year-old has been with the Yankees since 2019 and previously worked in player development for the Cleveland Guardians. The Reds have already interviewed internal candidates Oscar Marin and Matt Tracy for the position.
Blog Red MachineReds' roster keeps changing as fan favorite hits free agency and Mariners claim outfielder
The Cincinnati Reds made multiple roster moves this week, including outrighting infielder Ivan Johnson to Triple-A Louisville and having injured slugger Michael Toglia claimed by the Seattle Mariners. Longtime outfielder Will Benson, a fan favorite, elected free agency after being designated for assignment earlier in the season. These moves reflect the Reds' struggles in 2026, as marginal players like Benson, Johnson, and Toglia combined with underperforming core players to contribute to offensive difficulties that the front office must address before the December 1 collective bargaining agreement deadline.
Blog Red MachineReds Announce Coaching Updates
The Reds dismissed pitching coach Derek Johnson and assistant hitting coach Will Remillard as manager Terry Francona's staff undergoes changes heading into the offseason. The team ranked last in wRC+ and fourth-fewest in runs scored this season, prompting the organization to seek a more experienced hitting coach despite the offensive contributions of Elly De La Cruz and rookie Sal Stewart. On the pitching side, the Reds are interviewing external candidates rather than promoting from within, signaling they may not hire internal candidates Matt Tracy or Oscar Marin for the pitching coach position. The lineup is expected to remain largely intact next season, with catcher Tyler Stephenson entering free agency and third baseman Eugenio Suarez's mutual option unlikely to be exercised.
MLB Trade RumorsSTAYING: Cincinnati Reds Leadership REMAINS as Phil Castellini PROMISES Change Without Action
The Cincinnati Reds are keeping their front office intact after a disappointing 75-87 season, with Phil Castellini promising changes while retaining Nick Krall, Brad Mader, and Terry Francona in their current roles. The episode examines the contradictions in the organization's approach, including struggles with player development, roster construction, and questionable player acquisitions like Ke'Bryan Hayes and JJ Bleday, while also addressing the departure of pitching coach Derek Johnson and ongoing questions about the catcher and outfield positions. With ownership unwilling to sell the team and payroll constraints limiting ambition, the discussion centers on whether this leadership group can finally produce winning results or if more losing seasons await Cincinnati.
Locked On RedsReds Outright Ivan Johnson
The Reds outrighted infielder Ivan Johnson to Triple-A Louisville after he cleared waivers, reducing the 40-man roster to 38 players. Johnson, a 2019 fourth-round pick, struggled in his first MLB opportunity with a 1-for-16 record across multiple call-ups this season. The 28-year-old switch-hitter posted a .247/.354/.424 line with 11 home runs in 273 plate appearances at Louisville and will become a minor league free agent eligible to explore the open market.
MLB Trade RumorsReds News: Derek Johnson's replacement, Spencer Steer's prognosis, Dane Myers surgery
The Reds announced that pitching coach Derek Johnson, who has been on leave since June, will not return in 2027, and the team has already begun searching for his replacement. Internal candidates assistant pitching coach Matt Tracy and bullpen coach Oscar Marin have both interviewed for the position, with Marin having prior experience as Pittsburgh's pitching coach. Utility player Spencer Steer had successful wrist surgery earlier this week and is expected to be ready before spring training, while outfielder Dane Myers will undergo a minor shoulder procedure on his AC joint.
Blog Red MachineCincinnati Reds ownership, front office discuss 2027 and the future
The Cincinnati Reds held a media meeting where ownership and front office executives acknowledged significant roster deficiencies from 2026. Pitching coach Derek Johnson will not return after taking a personal leave, while assistant hitting coach Will Remillard is also departing, though hitting coach Chris Valaika will remain. The team identified Elly De La Cruz and Sal Stewart as their primary offensive cornerstones with many question marks elsewhere, and noted that Chase Burns anchors a rotation lacking depth. Front office leaders admitted to poor performance in roster construction, particularly at the bottom of the lineup and bullpen, and stated they need to improve player acquisition and develop better complementary players for manager Tito Francona.
Redleg NationIt’s official – the Cincinnati Reds are running it back in 2027
The Cincinnati Reds ownership confirmed that general manager Nick Krall and the front office will remain in place for 2027 despite a disappointing 2026 season. Pitching director Derek Johnson will depart his role after being on leave since June, but the same decision-makers will handle his replacement. The team enters the offseason with limited trade assets, as several young players like Nick Lodolo, Andrew Abbott, and Hunter Greene experienced setbacks or injuries that diminished their value. With only modest free-agent spending power available, the front office faces pressure to find value in a thin market after years of struggles in player acquisitions.
Red ReporterReds owner leaves Nick Krall nowhere to hide after latest comments
Reds owner Phil Castellini met with media Thursday alongside team president Nick Krall and general manager Brad Meador, stating he was fully behind the front office and that baseball decisions should be made by baseball people. This statement follows recent reporting that revealed Castellini had frequently vetoed trades proposed by Krall over the years, raising questions about Krall's actual authority. Krall announced several changes including the departure of pitching coach Derek Johnson and assistant hitting coach Will Remillard, while pledging to improve the team's approach to signing mid-tier free agents. The Reds finished 75-79 last season and will need significant improvements to become playoff contenders.
Blog Red MachineCincinnati Reds links – Elly the player of the month, Derek Johnson to leave Reds
Elly De La Cruz earned National League Player of the Month honors for September after hitting 9 home runs and posting a 1.156 OPS, accumulating 2.0 fWAR that topped Mookie Betts and Fernando Tatis Jr. The 24-year-old Reds superstar will remain with Cincinnati for two more seasons before becoming a free agent. Outfielder TJ Friedl elected free agency after struggling in 2026 and being designated for assignment in September, leaving the Reds to search for a center field replacement from their young prospects or through trades. Pitching coach Derek Johnson is departing the organization after seven years, during which he developed a strong staff that included Sonny Gray and helped establish a pipeline from Vanderbilt.
Red ReporterReds staying quiet on (another) coaching change should be concerning
The Cincinnati Reds announced that pitching director Derek Johnson will not return in 2027 after taking a personal leave of absence in June, but hitting director Chris Valaika remains employed despite the team's offensive struggles. Assistant pitching coach Matt Tracy and bullpen coach Oscar Marin are candidates to replace Johnson after their interim work improved the pitching staff's strikeout and walk rates compared to Johnson's tenure. The Reds' offense ranked near the bottom in most statistical categories in 2026, finishing 30th in batting average and strikeout rate while scoring the fourth-fewest runs in baseball despite ranking seventh in home runs. Manager Terry Francona and front office leadership will return for 2027, raising concerns among fans about whether sufficient changes are being made to address the team's performance issues.
Blog Red MachinePitching Coach Derek Johnson not returning to the Reds
The Cincinnati Reds announced that pitching coach Derek Johnson, who took a personal leave of absence in June, will not return to the team. Assistant pitching coach Matt Tracy has been filling the role during Johnson's absence and will continue in that capacity while the Reds search for a permanent replacement. Johnson, who joined the Reds after the 2018 season and became Director of Pitching in 2022, was considered one of baseball's top pitching coaches when hired.
Redleg NationReds pitching coach Johnson not returning; search underway for replacement
MLB.com RedsPitching Coach Derek Johnson Will Not Return To Reds
Derek Johnson will not return to the Reds after taking a personal leave of absence in June. Johnson had served as the team's pitching coach since 2019 and held the additional title of director of pitching following a contract extension after the 2021 season. The Reds announced they will immediately begin searching for a replacement.
MLB Trade RumorsComplete list of Reds 2026-27 free agents and their outlook
The Cincinnati Reds face an offseason with six impending free agents as a lockout looms following CBA negotiations set to begin after the World Series. Closer Emilio Pagán, 35, likely will exercise his $10 million player option for 2027, while infielder Eugenio Suárez's $16 million mutual option is expected to be declined by the team, though a cheaper reunion remains possible. Relief pitcher Pierce Johnson will enter free agency after the Reds decline his $8 million mutual option, and catcher Tyler Stephenson, the longest-tenured Reds player, appears headed to the open market. Reliever Brock Burke, one of the team's most dependable bullpen arms this season, should be a priority for re-signing but has no agreement in place yet.
Blog Red Machine5 Reds players who definitely won't be back and 3 who could surprisingly return in 2027
The Cincinnati Reds face roster decisions heading into 2027, with five players unlikely to return. Pitcher Pierce Johnson's club option won't be exercised after posting negative fWAR and an ERA near 5.00, while Ivan Johnson will be released following the acquisitions of Juan Brito and Oswaldo Cabrera. Michael Toglia failed to capitalize on his call-up and suffered a season-ending shoulder injury, while pitchers Zach Maxwell and Connor Phillips both struggled with command issues and are unlikely to survive the offseason cuts. The team could surprisingly bring back starter Brady Singer on a short-term deal below $15 million annually, as they lose Hunter Greene and need rotation depth.
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