The Cincinnati Reds signed veteran reliever Pierce Johnson to a one-year, $6.5 million contract, adding a proven arm to their bullpen. Johnson, 34, posted a 3.05 ERA in 65 games for Atlanta last season. He cited his close friendship with Reds closer Emilio Pagan as a key factor in his decision to join the club.

Johnson’s arrival bolsters a Cincinnati relief corps that lost Scott Barlow, Nick Martinez, and Brent Suter this offseason. The Reds reached the playoffs in Terry Francona’s first year as manager and finished eighth in the NL with a 3.89 bullpen ERA. Johnson brings postseason experience, having posted a 1.50 ERA in 12 playoff appearances.

The deal includes an $8 million mutual option for 2027 and performance bonuses tied to games pitched and finished. Johnson, a ninth-year MLB veteran, has pitched for five organizations. Cincinnati opened a roster spot by designating Yosver Zulueta for assignment as the team fine-tunes its roster before spring training.