Reunion with forgotten SF Giants reliever would give bullpen much-needed depth

The SF Giants need to add more bullpen arms this offseason. While they have signed a number of relievers to affordable deals in a quantity over quality approach, they need more which is why they should reunite with Pierce Johnson.

The 34-year-old right-handed reliever was once a Giant as he appeared in 37 games with the team back in 2018 and pitched to the tune of a 5.56 ERA. One could be forgiven for forgetting he was a Giant as he himself likely wanted to forget that year.

SF Giants should pursue reunion with Pierce Johnson

However, Johnson has since turned himself into a solid reliever. He had some very respectable years with the San Diego Padres and has been very strong with the Atlanta Braves over the last few years. In 2025 he had a 3.05 ERA in 65 appearances.

Of course, one of those appearances went quite well for the Giants as he gave up a walk-off home run to Matt Chapman. But overall he did well for Atlanta and would be a solid addition to the bullpen.

The Giants have made modest additions so far with the likes of Sam Hentges, Jason Foley, Gregory Santos, and Nick Margevicius. All of those pitchers were cheap and coming off injury. Johnson is not coming off an injury so perhaps he is too healthy for the Giants. They like 'em broken. Maybe we can fix 'em.

But it would not hurt to add another reliable arm or two since the bullpen seems so unclear right now. It seems like the Giants may have to run it back with Ryan Walker as the closer which is not the most exciting development given how 2025 ended.

The Giants clearly did not want to spend a lot on the pitching staff this offseason even thought it was the team's greatest area of need. They signed two modest starters in Adrian Houser and Tyler Mahle and stayed far away from any of the premier closers on the market.

They're trying to piece together a good pitching staff on the cheap. If it works the front office will look brilliant and if it does not everyone will complain that the team was not willing to spend what it takes to compete.

But if they want an affordable bullpen, adding Johnson should not break the bank and would give the bullpen another arm in what figures to be a crowded bunch.