The San Francisco Giants' bullpen is in desperate need of a makeover, and one name from the past could be the key to unlocking their potential. But here's where it gets controversial... Could reuniting with a once-forgotten reliever be the answer to their prayers? Let's dive into why Pierce Johnson might just be the missing piece in their puzzle.
The Giants' offseason strategy has been clear: quantity over quality when it comes to bolstering their bullpen. They've signed several relievers on budget-friendly deals, but the question remains: is this enough? (https://aroundthefoghorn.com/sf-giants-bullpen-still-lacks-one-key-ingredient-01kcpb7t7s0m) We think not, and that's where Pierce Johnson comes in. This 34-year-old right-hander had a brief stint with the Giants back in 2018, appearing in 37 games with a less-than-stellar 5.56 ERA (https://www.nbcsportsbayarea.com/mlb/giants-review-pierce-johnson-hits-milestones-in-up-and-down-season/1294969/). It's no wonder both parties might want to forget that season.
And this is the part most people miss... Johnson has since transformed into a reliable reliever, proving his worth with the San Diego Padres and, more recently, the Atlanta Braves. In 2025, he boasted an impressive 3.05 ERA across 65 appearances. Sure, one of those appearances ended in a walk-off home run by Matt Chapman (https://www.mlb.com/news/matt-chapman-hits-walk-off-home-run-vs-braves), but overall, his performance has been solid. Adding Johnson to the Giants' bullpen could provide the much-needed depth and consistency they're lacking.
The Giants' current bullpen additions, including Sam Hentges, Jason Foley, Gregory Santos, and Nick Margevicius, have been modest at best. These pitchers were signed on the cheap, often coming off injuries, which seems to be the Giants' modus operandi. Is Johnson too healthy for the Giants' taste? It's a bold question, but one worth asking. After all, the Giants seem to prefer their pitchers with a side of rehabilitation.
However, with the bullpen's future looking uncertain, adding another reliable arm like Johnson couldn't hurt. The Giants might be forced to rely on Ryan Walker as their closer again, which isn't exactly thrilling given the 2025 season's outcome. The front office has been cautious with their spending, signing only modest starters like Adrian Houser and Tyler Mahle, and avoiding top-tier closers.
Here's the million-dollar question: Can the Giants assemble a winning pitching staff without breaking the bank? If they succeed, the front office will be hailed as geniuses. But if they fail, fans will undoubtedly criticize their frugality. Adding Pierce Johnson to the mix could be a low-risk, high-reward move, providing an affordable and effective solution to their bullpen woes. So, what do you think? Is Johnson the answer, or should the Giants look elsewhere? Let the debate begin!
