MLB Analyst Shares Surprising Take on Reds’ Offseason

The Reds signed Pierce Johnson over the weekend.

Cincinnati Reds relief pitcher Emilio Pagan (15) smiles after the final out of the ninth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Pittsburgh Pirates at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025. The Reds won, 2-1. | Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Reds signed relief pitcher Pierce Johnson over the weekend to bolster their bullpen. Bolstering the bullpen has been a huge priority for Nick Krall and Cincinnati's front office over the offseason, having already re-signed closer Emilio Pagan as well as signing left-handed reliever Caleb Ferguson.

On Monday, the Reds received high praise from MLB Network's Matt Vasgersian.

"I like what they've done this year, man," Vasgersian said. "Pagan, Johnson, Caleb Ferguson. The bullpen is a lot better. They're taking a flyer on Michael Toglia. JJ Bleday is going to help them a lot. I like their offseason. I like it a lot."

While Vagersian is right to be excited about their pitching staff, it still feels like their roster is a big bat away from being legitimate contenders.

Dane Myers and JJ Bleday are nice additions, but if this team were to make the postseason as constructed, it's not a lineup that any team would fear.

You can see the full clip below:

"I like their offseason. I like it a lot."

- Matt Vasgersian following the Reds' signing of RHP Pierce Johnson (via #MLBNHotStove) pic.twitter.com/TKCpdgKOlU

— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) January 12, 2026

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