Home Football Transfers: RHP Pierce Johnson was re-signed by the Braves to a 2-year, $14.25 million deal that includes a 26th-year team option

Transfers: RHP Pierce Johnson was re-signed by the Braves to a 2-year, $14.25 million deal that includes a 26th-year team option

Football — 10/26/2023

On Wednesday, the team that finished with the best record in baseball re-signed reliever Pierce Johnson to a two-year, $14.25 million contract.

Johnson, who the Braves acquired from Colorado to provide them a hard-throwing option out of the bullpen, will earn $7 million over the next two years. There is a $7 million club option in 2026 with a $250,000 buyout included in the deal.

The 32-year-old right-hander turned around his season after being traded to Atlanta for two minor leaguers on July 24. He had previously lost the closer’s job with the Rockies.Johnson made 24 starts with the Braves and had a 0.76 ERA with two earned runs allowed in 23.2 innings while striking out 32 and walking just five. Along with A.J. Minter, he played a crucial part in setting up Raisel Iglesias, the team’s closer.

Johnson made three shutout appearances in the National League Division Series, but the 104-win Braves still lost in four games to the Philadelphia Phillies for the second year in a row.

Both Iglesias (33 saves, 2.75 ERA) and Minter (10 saves, 3.76 ERA) have two more years left on their contracts, although Minter is entering his final year of arbitration. The Braves are also anticipating the return of left-handed pitcher Tyler Matzek, who was lost for the year due to Tommy John surgery.There is uncertainty about the remainder of the bullpen staff.

Right-handed pitchers Kirby Yates ($5.75 million with a $1.25 million buyout), Collin McHugh ($6 million with a $1 million buyout), and Brad Hand ($7 million with a $500,000 buyout) all have club options that the Braves must exercise within five days of the World Series’ conclusion.

Joe Jimenez will become a free agent if he and the Braves can’t come to terms on a new contract, while the likes of Dylan Lee, Nick Anderson, and Michael Tonkin are still under the team’s control.

The 40-year-old Jesse Chavez has been quite useful to the Braves in his many stints with the team. Atlanta may try to re-sign him to a minor league contract if he is removed off the 40-man roster.

Johnson, who has pledged to give one percent of his salary to the Atlanta Braves Foundation, has spent six seasons in the major leagues, pitching for the San Francisco Giants, the San Diego Padres, and the Chicago Cubs. Overall, he has a 12-15 record, a 4.04 ERA, and 13 saves in his career.