The Rockies have turned to a homegrown pitcher to help reconstruct their bullpen, signing right-hander Pierce Johnson to a one-year contract. The club announced the signing on Tuesday.
The Colorado native and graduate of Faith Christian Academy will get $5 million, plus the chance to earn an additional $750,000 through incentives, according to MLB.com.
Last season, Colorado’s bullpen had a 4.82 ERA, the highest in the majors and the 13th-highest in franchise history.
Johnson, 31, will compete for a late-inning role and could emerge as the primary right-handed set-up man for closer Daniel Bard.