WASHINGTON, DC – SEPTEMBER 16: Pierce Johnson #38 of the Atlanta Braves pitches against the Washington Nationals during the eighth inning in game one of a split doubleheader at Nationals Park on September 16, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)

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Aaliyan Mohammed

By Aaliyan Mohammed

Contributing Sports Writer

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The Cincinnati Reds have reportedly agreed to a deal with reliever Pierce Johnson, according to MLB.com's Mark Sheldon. Johnson spent the last two seasons with the Atlanta Braves.

The Braves declined Johnson's $7 million club option for next season, making him a free agent. Johnson has pitched in eight MLB seasons and pitched in Japan in 2019. The Braves acquired him from the Colorado Rockies for Victor Vodnik and Tanner Gordon in 2023. In 147 games for the Braves, he had a 2.91 ERA.

Last season, Johnson pitched to a 3.05 ERA in 65 games and even picked up a save. He played a major role in the Braves' bullpen after he was acquired, logging key innings in the 2023 and 2024 postseasons. In four postseason games for the Braves, he did not allow a run and had four strikeouts.

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WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 16: Pierce Johnson #38 of the Atlanta Braves pitches against the Washington Nationals during the eighth inning in game one of a split doubleheader at Nationals Park on September 16, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)

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The Braves likely felt the $7 million club option for the soon-to-be 35-year-old was a little too rich. However, the Reds will now hope he can play a role for their bullpen.

The Reds made the postseason last season, shocking many. However, now they must look to improve, and having a loaded bullpen will help. Johnson is not a superstar reliever, but he is consistent and has found success with the Braves. He relies heavily on his curveball, but also has a mid-90s four-seamer he uses. He also has a cutter in his back pocket, but does not use the pitch as much.

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