Derek Johnson Likely Departed Reds Coaching Staff
The Cincinnati Reds are expected to overhaul their pitching leadership this offseason following a disappointing year.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Baseball
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Pitching coach Derek Johnson is unlikely to return to the Cincinnati Reds as the organization prepares for coaching staff changes. This shift follows a 2026 season where the team failed to meet expectations.
Why it matters
Changes to the coaching staff signal an attempt by the Reds to address underperformance within the organization. The team must now evaluate whether to promote from within or recruit new leadership from outside the club.
Hunter Greene, a key member of the pitching staff, underwent Tommy John surgery in August 2026 and will miss the entirety of the 2027 season. The current assistant pitching coach is Matt Tracy.
The players
Derek Johnson
He served as the pitching coach for the Cincinnati Reds and took a leave of absence during the 2026 season.
Hunter Greene
He is a starting pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds who will be out for the 2027 season following surgery.
Matt Tracy
He is the assistant pitching coach currently serving within the Cincinnati Reds organization.
Emilio Pagan
He is a professional baseball player who addressed the team's performance with the media in late 2026.
C. Trent Rosecrans
He is a journalist who provided analysis on the future of the Reds coaching staff during a media appearance.
The details
The Cincinnati Reds are actively weighing options to fill the pitching coach vacancy during the 2026-2027 offseason. The organization is considering both internal promotions and external candidates to lead the pitching department moving forward.
Timeline
August 2026: Hunter Greene underwent Tommy John surgery.
September 27, 2026: Emilio Pagan discussed team performance with media.
September 29, 2026: C. Trent Rosecrans discussed Johnson's future on First Word.
2027 season: Hunter Greene will be sidelined due to his injury.
Season Trajectory
The potential departure of Derek Johnson highlights a shift in leadership strategy for the Reds following the 2026 Major League Baseball offseason coaching carousel. This transition impacts the team's developmental approach as they manage the long-term absence of key arms like Hunter Greene.
The departure of the pitching coach suggests a shift in the team's training philosophy for the 2027 season. Fans should monitor roster moves and staff announcements as the organization prepares for the upcoming year without Hunter Greene.
The takeaway
Management transitions often serve as a reset button for organizations struggling to meet their performance goals. The Reds must now balance veteran leadership needs with the recovery timeline of their young pitching core.
Further reading
For more on the current state of the roster and staff, visit Cincinnati Baseball.
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