Braves sign veteran pitcher to a two-year, $14.25 million contract.
Having the top record in the NL East may make any team feel optimistic about a World Series run. This was not true for Austin Riley and the Atlanta Braves.
The squad had just completed a legendary 104-win season with a winning percentage of 64.2%. Brian Snitker’s team appeared to be prepared for postseason play. But everything fell apart when Bryce Harper and the Philadelphia Phillies began to heat up and crush their title aspirations.
The team is coming into the upcoming season with a chip on their shoulder and a strong core of holdovers. Pierce Johnson is returning to pitch for the top NL team from last season.
Braves make an early offseason move
You heard that right! Brian Snitker and the Braves did not waste time in the offseason after their defeat at the hands of the Phillies. They immediately got pitching help after their loss to the Phillies in the form of Pierce Johnson. He is returning to the team on a two-year deal which is valued at $14.25 million.
The Braves have agreed to a two-year, $14.25 million contract with veteran pitcher Johnson, who was acquired from the Colorado Rockies in the middle of the season to help Austin Riley and the Braves pitching staff. The 32-year-old had a 0.76 ERA in his previous stint with the Braves. Furthermore, after the last week of July, he was ranked sixth among all big league pitchers with at least 20 appearances.
Along with his pitching ability, he has extensive postseason experience. Johnson has a 1.64 ERA while striking out 17 batters. The pitcher is still dangerous. Overall, he would undoubtedly assist the Braves in resuming their winning ways.
