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Pittsburgh Pirates: Three Free Agent Bullpen Targets
By Kody Duncan
Right-handed pitcher Pierce Johnson
Another option the Pittsburgh Pirates should consider for the bullpen is right-handed relief pitcher, Pierce Johnson. Johnson had a solid year with the Padres and is set to be a free agent during this off-season. He had an overall record of 3-4 in 63 games pitched.
Johnson finished the year with a 3.22 ERA with the San Diego Padres. He pitched 58.2 innings and had a total of 77 strikeouts. He had a 0.8 WAR and a 3.31 FIP in the 2021 regular season. He walked 11.1% of the batters faced and had an impressive 31.6% strikeout rate. He also managed to get ground balls 34.1% of the time.
The Padres do have a club option with Johnson, so depending on what they end up doing will determine if the Pittsburgh Pirates can go after him or not. If by chance Pittsburgh can, they should because of the need at this position. His contract with San Diego for the 2021 season was for $3 million and I believe he will cost around that price range.
Johnson finished the season with a 0.92 HR/9 rate. The Pirates desperately need a pitcher that can limit home runs. He would be a perfect option this offseason if the Pirates plan to sign some viable veterans for the bullpen.