The Cincinnati Reds have turned to a familiar name to fill a key opening on their pitching staff, hiring Joe Torres as their Major League pitching coach on Wednesday.
Torres steps in for Derek Johnson, who had held the job since 2018. The Reds moved on from Johnson last month after he took a leave of absence in the middle of the 2026 season.
“Derek Johnson took a personal leave of absence in June of this year and will not be returning," Reds President Nick Krall said last month. "We wish Derek and his family the best. A search for a new pitching coach will begin immediately.”
Torres, 44, spent the last five seasons as Cleveland’s assistant pitching coach, and his arrival brings him back alongside Terry Francona, with whom he previously worked in Cleveland. Cincinnati had been looking for someone who fit Francona’s approach, and Torres checks that box.
His track record in Cleveland includes work with pitchers such as Tanner Bibee, Gavin Williams, Hunter Gaddis, and Triston McKenzie. Torres first joined the Guardians’ organization in 2017.
Before getting into coaching, Torres had a long playing career of his own. The left-hander was taken 10th overall by the Anaheim Angels in the 2000 MLB Draft, then spent 13 seasons in the minor leagues across five organizations and reached Triple-A. He also pitched for both Team USA and Puerto Rico in international competition.
The Reds’ search didn’t generate much public noise this offseason, even though finding a new pitching coach was a clear priority. The club interviewed a couple of internal candidates, but nothing came of those talks. Cincinnati was also rumored to have interest in Carl Willis, though MLB.com’s Tim Stebbins reported that Willis will return as Cleveland’s pitching coach in 2027.
Torres takes over at a time when the Reds’ pitching group could look very different next season. Emilio Pagan has opted out, Hunter Greene is injured, and the team still has to sort out both the bullpen and the rotation.
All-Star Chase Burns is expected to anchor the starting staff after going 15-3 with a 2.86 ERA and 185 strikeouts over 29 starts and 154 1/3 innings. Andrew Abbott, Nick Lodolo, Rhett Lowder and Brandon Williamson are also expected to be in the rotation or compete for a starting job.
The bullpen may also undergo major changes if Brock Burke, Pierce Johnson and Pagan depart in free agency.
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