The San Diego Padres signed right-handed reliever Pierce Johnson to a two-year contract, it was announced Monday.
Johnson's deal, which includes a club option in 2022, is reportedly worth $5 million, sources told ESPN's Jeff Passan.
The 28-year-old spent last season with Japan's Hanshin Tigers after shuttling between the San Francisco Giants and Triple-A Sacramento throughout 2018. He quickly morphed into an ace reliever for Hanshin.
Johnson posted a sparkling 1.38 ERA and 0.80 WHIP with 91 strikeouts (14 K/9) while walking only 13 batters in 58 2/3 innings. His work in the bullpen helped the Tigers advance to the final stage of the Central League's Climax Series, one round short of Japan's championship.
Pierce Johnson always had a good breaking ball, dating back to his time with the Cubs, who took him in the 2012 first round. He really found his fastball in Japan, optimizing the spin. He and Joely Rodriguez are showing Japan has become a legit place to go for player development.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 23, 2019
The Missouri State product was the Chicago Cubs' first-round draft pick (43rd overall) in 2012 and debuted in the majors five years later.
In 38 career big-league appearances, Johnson owns a 5.44 ERA and 1.41 WHIP with 38 strikeouts and 23 walks.
Johnson joins what could be a dominant Padres bullpen in 2020, slotting in alongside All-Star closer Kirby Yates and fellow free-agent signing Drew Pomeranz, among others.
