Atlanta Braves bring back Pierce Johnson on a two-year, $14.25 million contract

 

The Atlanta Braves signed Pierce Johnson to a two-year contract as one of their first moves of the offseason.

The Atlanta Braves have opted to re-sign one of their top trade deadline purchases from 2023. Pierce Johnson has signed a two-year, $14.25 million contract with the team, with a $7 million club option for 2026. The 2026 club option contains a $250,000 buyout.

Johnson was a fantastic trade deadline addition, especially given he was acquired from Colorado at the expense of minor-league relievers Victor Vodnik and Tanner Gordon. Johnson had a bad start to the 2023 season, but since he was pitching in Coors Field, it’s little surprise Alex Anthopoulos picked him as a resurgence potential.

Johnson pitched 23.2 innings for Atlanta after being acquired from the Rockies, allowing just two earned runs for a 0.76 ERA. Johnson also had a 2.83 FIP and a 12.2 K/9 in 24 appearances for Atlanta.

Johnson had one of the greatest curveballs in baseball, and having an exceptional strikeout pitch out of the bullpen is a valuable asset. Johnson’s curveball had a positive FIVE run worth in 2023, according to baseball savant.

Pierce, 32, is expected to be one of manager Brian Snitker’s trusted right-handed late relief alternatives. Every summer, GM Alex Anthopoulos prioritizes building a strong bullpen, so it should come as no surprise that his first move in the 2023 offseason is to bring back a player who made such an impression.

It’s unusual to see players sign before the first game of the World Series, but I believe it demonstrates how desperately both the player and the franchise wanted this connection to continue. We may now anticipate many more wicked Pierce Johnson curveballs in 2024 and beyond.