The Atlanta Braves and RHP Jim Johnson have agreed to a one-year deal for the 2016 season. Johnson will make $2.5 million for the season, according to Mark Bowman of MLB.com.
Johnson started the 2015 season with the Braves. During that time he posted a 2.25 ERA over 48 innings pitched. He also recorded nine saves after closer Jason Grilli went down with an Achilles injury.
Johnson was traded by the Braves right before the 2015 trade deadline. He went to the Los Angeles Dodgers along with left-handed pitcher Alex Wood and one of the Braves' top-prospects in Jose Peraza. Johnson made 23 appearances with the Dodgers and posted a 10.13 ERA in 18 innings pitched.
The Braves are hoping that he'll have the same success he did early in the 2015 season. He's had a very up and down career, with a arguably his worst season being in 2014 with both the Oakland Athletics and the Detroit Tigers. He had a 7.14 ERA with the A's and a 6.92 ERA with the Tigers.
The Braves have so many young pitchers in the starting rotation and bullpen that a veteran like Johnson will be able to help them gain some confidence. Veteran Jason Grilli will also be rejoining the team for the 2016 season at some point, and Bud Norris was recently signed to join the starting rotation. The Braves signed Norris to a $2.5 million deal for the 2016 season.
The Braves went through an astounding number of pitchers in the 2015 season. Johnson will help anchor the bullpen along with the talented right hander, Arodys Vizcaino. Norris will also help out with the starting rotation, especially with the rumors that the Braves are looking to trade Shelby Miller.
Even with the addition of Johnson, the Braves are still looking for another setup man and a left handed reliever, according to a post by Mark Bowman.