Pierce Johnson Bio
Pierce William Johnson is an American professional baseball pitcher who is currently a free agent. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Chicago Cubs, San Francisco Giants, San Diego Padres, Colorado Rockies, and Atlanta Braves, as well as for the Hanshin Tigers in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). Johnson was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the first round of the 2012 MLB draft out of Missouri State University, marking the beginning of his professional career.
Early Life and Background
Pierce William Johnson was born on May 10, 1991. He attended Faith Christian Academy in Arvada, Colorado, where he played baseball for three seasons on the varsity team. In 2009, he was selected by the Tampa Bay Rays in the 15th round of the Major League Baseball draft but opted not to sign. Instead, he chose to further his education and baseball career at Missouri State University, where he played for the Missouri State Bears. During his freshman year, Johnson recorded a 6–5 win-loss record and a 4.76 earned run average (ERA) over 75+2⁄3 innings pitched. He also played collegiate summer baseball with the Harwich Mariners in the Cape Cod Baseball League during the summers of 2010 and 2011.
Path to Baseball
Johnson’s journey to professional baseball began in earnest when he was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the first round of the 2012 MLB draft. His early career in the Cubs’ minor league system saw him achieve notable success. In 2013, he posted an impressive 11–6 record with a 2.74 ERA and 124 strikeouts in 118 innings pitched, showcasing his potential as a future major leaguer. By the end of the 2015 season, Johnson had earned a spot on the Cubs’ 40-man roster, a significant milestone in his career.
Pierce Johnson Career
Early Career (2017)
Johnson made his professional debut in 2017 with the Chicago Cubs. His first season in the majors was brief, but it set the stage for his future opportunities. After spending the 2018 season with the San Francisco Giants, where he made 37 appearances out of the bullpen, Johnson’s performance fluctuated, leading to his removal from the 40-man roster.
Breakthrough (2019-2022)
In December 2018, Johnson signed with the Hanshin Tigers of Nippon Professional Baseball. His time in Japan was marked by a solid performance, as he recorded a 2–3 win-loss record with a 1.38 ERA and 91 strikeouts. Upon returning to MLB, he signed a two-year contract with the San Diego Padres in December 2019. In his first season with the Padres, Johnson achieved a 3–1 record with a 2.70 ERA, demonstrating his ability to contribute effectively as a reliever. However, injuries hampered his performance in 2022, leading to a stint on the injured list.
Notable Works and Milestones
Johnson’s career highlights include being named an NPB All-Star in 2019 and achieving a stellar 0.76 ERA in 2023 while playing for the Atlanta Braves. His journey through various teams has showcased his resilience and adaptability in the competitive world of professional baseball.
Pierce Johnson Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Pierce Johnson has received recognition for his performances, including being named an NPB All-Star in 2019, highlighting his impact in both Major League Baseball and Nippon Professional Baseball.
Pierce Johnson Awards Won
Johnson’s notable achievements include being recognized as an NPB All-Star in 2019, a testament to his skill and performance during his time in Japan.
Pierce Johnson Family
Information regarding Pierce Johnson’s family is not publicly available, as he has maintained a level of privacy regarding his personal life.
Personal Life
Details about Pierce Johnson’s personal life, including marital status and children, are not publicly disclosed. Johnson continues to focus on his professional career as a free agent, looking for new opportunities in Major League Baseball.