Reds bring back a familiar utility man on a minor league deal while adding a solid arm to the bullpen.
The Cincinnati Reds went 83-79 in 2025 and made the playoffs as a Wild Card team before falling to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
As they look to build on that foundation heading into 2026, the front office has made two moves to add depth across the roster, and both signings make a lot of sense for where the team is right now.
Hampson Returns on Minor League Deal
According to the team's minor league transaction log, the Reds have signed utility player Garrett Hampson to a minor league contract.
This marks a return to Cincinnati for the 31-year-old, who spent time with the Reds during the 2025 season before being designated for assignment and claimed by the St. Louis Cardinals.
Hampson had a rough 2025 season overall, posting a .143 batting average with a .419 OPS across 77 at-bats while playing for three different teams.
However, the Reds are not signing him for his bat, and they know exactly what they are getting.
The value Hampson brings is his speed and his ability to play almost anywhere on the diamond.
Throughout his eight-year career with the Rockies, Marlins, Royals, Diamondbacks, Reds, and Cardinals, Hampson has played every position except catcher.
He is a plus runner who can handle second base, shortstop, third base, first base, and all three outfield spots, which gives the team a lot of options late in games or when injuries hit.
The minor league deal means Hampson will likely start at Triple-A Louisville and will need to prove he can still hit if he wants another shot at the big leagues. With no guaranteed roster spot, it is a low-risk move that could pay off if Hampson finds his swing again.
Johnson Adds Bullpen Depth
On the pitching side, the Reds have reached an agreement with right-hander Pierce Johnson, per MLB Network insider Jon Heyman.
This signing adds a proven arm to a bullpen that the front office has said needs more depth.
Johnson, who turns 35 in May, spent the last two and a half seasons with the Atlanta Braves and put together solid numbers during that time.
In 2025, he posted a 3.05 ERA across 65 appearances while striking out 59 batters in 59 innings.
Over his career, he owns a 3.79 ERA in 330 games with 379 strikeouts and has experience pitching in high-leverage situations.
What makes Johnson interesting is his pitch mix, specifically his curveball.
He throws his hook more than any other pitcher in the majors, using it over 70 percent of the time in both 2024 and 2025.
He pairs that with a fastball that sits in the mid-90s and a cutter that he mixes in from time to time.
The Braves declined a $7 million club option on Johnson in November, which made him a free agent.
For the Reds, this is the type of signing that can make a real difference even if it does not make big headlines.
With Emilio Pagán returning as the closer and Caleb Ferguson also in the fold, Johnson gives Cincinnati another reliable option to bridge the gap between the starters and the late-inning arms.
Spring training is about a month away, and the Reds will continue looking for ways to improve as they try to take the next step after making the postseason in 2025.