Los Angeles (AP) – The team that finished with the best record in baseball this year, the Atlanta Braves, made their first offseason move on Wednesday by re-signing reliever Pierce Johnson to a $14.25 million, two-year deal.
Johnson, who was acquired by the Braves from Colorado and gave them a hard-throwing option out of the bullpen, will earn $7 million in each of the following two seasons. In addition, a $7 million club option with a $250,000 buyout for 2026 is included in the deal.
After being traded by the Rockies for two minor leaguers on July 24, the 32-year-old right-hander was acquired by Atlanta, and he went on to turn around his season.
In 24 appearances for the Braves, Johnson gave up two earned runs in 23 2/3 innings for a 0.76 ERA, 32 strikeouts, and just five walks. Along with A.J. Minter, he took on a crucial setup role for closer Raisel Iglesias.
Johnson added three shutout outings during the NL Division Series, but for the second straight year, the Philadelphia Phillies defeated the 104-win Braves in four games.
In 24 appearances for the Braves, Johnson gave up two earned runs in 23 2/3 innings for a 0.76 ERA, 32 strikeouts, and just five walks. Along with A.J. Minter, he took on a crucial setup role for closer Raisel Iglesias.
Johnson added three shutout outings during the NL Division Series, but for the second straight year, the Philadelphia Phillies defeated the 104-win Braves in four games.
The rest of the bullpen is a work in progress.
The club options for right-handers Brad Hand ($7 million with a $500,000 buyout), Collin McHugh ($6 million with a $1 million buyout), and Kirby Yates ($5.75 million with a $1.25 million buyout) must be decided upon by the Braves no later than five days following the World Series.
Dylan Lee, Nick Anderson, and Michael Tonkin are still under team control for the time being, but Joe Jimenez is expected to hit free agency unless he and the Braves can reach an agreement on a new contract.
Jesse Chavez, who is forty years old, is another player that the Braves have had success with on multiple occasions. Atlanta may try to re-add him on a minor league contract after removing him from the 40-man roster.
In his six seasons in the major leagues, Johnson has pitched for the Chicago Cubs, San Francisco, and San Diego. He also pledged to donate one percent of his salary to the Atlanta Braves Foundation. He has a 12–15 career record, 13 saves, and a 4.04 ERA.
