Reds pitching coach Derek Johnson, who has been absent from the team for personal reasons, will not return to the club in 2027, president of baseball operations Nick Krall announced this morning (via Charlie Goldsmith of FOX 19).
“Derek Johnson took a personal leave of absence in June of this year and will not return. We wish Derek and his family the best. The search for a new pitching coach will begin immediately.”
Johnson had been with the organization since 2019. He took over as pitching coach when David Bell became manager that season. Cincinnati extended Johnson after the 2021 season. The contract extension also came with the title of pitching director.
After a successful stint at Vanderbilt University, Johnson joined the professional ranks in 2013 with the Cubs. He was a minor league pitching coordinator for three seasons. Johnson got his first MLB job in 2016, taking over as pitching coach for the Brewers. He spent three seasons in Milwaukee.
Cincinnati’s rotation has become a strength in recent seasons, at least on an individual level. Chase Burns lived up to his No. 2 overall pick pedigree. Hunter Greenewhen healthy, has been an asset. Despite being flyball pitchers in a home run paradise, the Reds have had good results Andrew Abbott. Non-trade acquisition Brady Singerit’s largely a group of local newbies.
The overall performance of the pitching staff this season has been less than excellent. The Reds ranked 28th in team ERA. Both Abbott and Singer had the worst years of their respective careers. Injuries have limited Greene to five starts, which certainly hurts the group’s overall production. Nick Lodolo struggled with the recurrence of the blister problems that had plagued him for years. The club had to rely on unproven options like Rhett Lowder, Brandon WilliamsonAnd Chase Petty to complete the rotation. There was also an oversight Chris Paddack stint.
Cincinnati will head into 2027 with largely the same rotation, with the exception of Singer, who is a free agent. Better health for Greene and Lodolo would be a big boost for the unit. Burns’ workload restrictions are also expected to decrease next year.
Gn sports
