3 Rockies relievers who the SF Giants could target at the trade deadline
3. Pierce Johnson
If you stuck around for the 2018 season, you will remember that Pierce Johnson pitched for the Giants. Johnson posted a 5.56 ERA in 37 appearances in his lone season with San Francisco.
He went overseas and returned a year later with the San Diego Padres. Since his stint with the Giants, Johnson has been modestly better, registering a 4.23 ERA in four seasons with the Padres and Rockies.
The 2023 campaign has been a tough one for the six-year veteran, but there is still some reason for hope. The righty has tallied a rough, 6.49 ERA, 4.79 FIP, 1.81 WHIP, 13.2 K/9, and a 2.43 SO/W ratio in 38 outings with the Rockies.
Overall, the numbers do not look great. Not surprisingly, his numbers include an 8.27 ERA at Coors Field compared to a 3.86 ERA on the road. Plus, he is recording huge strikeout numbers. The Giants bullpen has posted a 9.51 K/9 this year, which is the 11th-best mark in baseball.
That is good but they could use another reliever who can get a strikeout when needed. Johnson is under contract for a one-year, $5 million deal, meaning that he is a rental similar to Brent Suter. Johnson, Suter, and Brad Hand will all likely be moved at the trade deadline as there should be varying levels of demand with all three.