Reds pitching coach Derek Johnson, who has been away from the team for personal reasons, will not return to the club in 2027, president of baseball operations Nick Krall announced this morning (via FOX 19’s Charlie Goldsmith).
“Derek Johnson took a personal leave of absence in June of this year and will not be returning. We wish Derek and his family the best. A 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 the manager that season. Cincinnati extended Johnson after the 2021 season. The contract extension also came with the title of director of pitching.
After a successful stint at Vanderbilt University, Johnson moved to the pro ranks in 2013 with the Cubs. He served as minor league pitching coordinator for three seasons. Johnson earned his first MLB gig 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 has lived up to his No. 2 overall pick pedigree. Hunter Greene, when healthy, has been an ace. Despite being a fly ball pitcher in a home run haven, the Reds have coaxed strong results out of Andrew Abbott. Outside of trade acquisition Brady Singer, it’s largely a homegrown group of starters.
The overall output for the pitching staff this season was less than sterling. The Reds ranked 28th in ERA as a team. Abbott and Singer both stumbled to the worst years of their respective careers. Injuries limited Greene to five starts, which certainly hurts the overall production of the group. Nick Lodolo battled a recurrence of the blister issues that have plagued him for years. The club had to rely on unproven options like Rhett Lowder, Brandon Williamson, and Chase Petty to fill out the rotation. There was also a forgettable Chris Paddack stint.
Cincinnati will head into 2027 with largely the same rotation, except Singer, who’s a free agent. Better health from Greene and Lodolo would be a big boost for the unit. Burns’ workload restrictions should also lessen next year.