Reds add Pierce Johnson as bullpen priority, fans wary

The Cincinnati Reds moved quickly this week to refill late-inning innings after the departures of Nick Martinez, Scott Barlow and Brent Suter, signing right-hander Pierce Johnson to a reported $6.5 million guarantee. Johnson, a curveball-heavy reliever who posted a 3.05 ERA with 59 strikeouts last season, was described as a middle-of-the-game innings eater and fills a clear need as the club heads into Spring Training.

Local followers in Adams County and throughout the region care more than ever about roster construction. Great American Ball Park has long favored hitters, and the absence of a true power bat remains the most discussed gap on the roster. Matthew McAdow, a sports columnist, projected a bullpen that, health permitting, would feature Alexis Pagan as closer; Alex Santillan in an eighth-inning, high-pressure role; Johnson in a high-leverage innings-eating slot; Zach Ferguson and Ryan Moll as left-on-left matchup options; Hunter Phillips with starter potential; Noah Maxwell as the fireballer; and a final roster spot likely decided among Nick Ashcraft, Hunter Williamson or Jordan Mey.

That depth could be a luxury if the starting rotation stays healthy. McAdow listed a long list of potential starters who could keep the rotation crowded: Greene, Abbott, Lodolo, Singer, Burns, Lowder, Spiers, Williamson, Aguiar and Petty. His column argued the team can afford to trade a quality arm if it returns a legitimate 30-plus home run bat, singling out Nick Singer and Elly De La Cruz trade pieces such as Luis Lux as potential chips to flip.

For Adams County residents who buy tickets, tailgate near the river, or work in hospitality and concessions tied to home games, roster construction matters beyond box scores. Team performance affects attendance patterns, weekend traffic, small business revenue on game days and the social life of neighbors who gather to watch the Reds. A lineup lacking middle-of-the-order power could depress fan enthusiasm and stretch patience for a front office that many think must be more aggressive.

There are also subtler community impacts: seasons of losing or middling performance can erode civic pride and reduce the opportunities for local youth to see high-level baseball in person. If the front office moves a starter to land a true power bat, it could reshape not only the roster but the economic and emotional rhythm of the baseball season here.

The takeaway? The Pierce Johnson signing shores up innings and the bullpen looks deeper, but the offense still needs a real slugger. Our two cents? Expect more roster moves before March and temper ticket plans accordingly — but keep an eye on trade chatter; a single power acquisition could make this a much more entertaining spring for Adams County fans.