CINCINNATI — The Cincinnati Reds announced Wednesday that Joe Torres has been named the team's new pitching coach, bringing another familiar face from Terry Francona's Cleveland days to Cincinnati as the organization prepares for the 2027 season.
Torres, 44, replaces Derek Johnson, who took a personal leave of absence in June and did not return for the remainder of the season. The Reds announced October 1 that Johnson would not be returning in 2027, ending his eight-season tenure with the organization.
The hiring reunites Torres with Francona, who managed Cleveland from 2013 through 2023. Torres joined the Guardians' organization as a minor league pitching coach in 2017 before being promoted to assistant pitching coach with the major league club in 2022. He remained in that role through the 2026 season.
A former first-round draft pick of the Anaheim Angels in 2000, Torres spent several years pitching professionally before moving into coaching. Although he never reached the majors as a player, he has built his coaching career within an organization widely respected for its ability to develop pitchers.
Torres inherits a Cincinnati pitching staff that struggled throughout the 2026 season. The Reds finished 28th in Major League Baseball with a 4.83 ERA, a substantial decline from their 3.86 mark in 2025. Injuries and inconsistent performances contributed to the struggles, while the team also dealt with Johnson's extended absence.
The challenges will continue into 2027. Hunter Greene is expected to miss most, if not all, of next season after undergoing his second Tommy John surgery in August, with a projected recovery of 12–18 months. The Reds also face questions about their starting rotation and bullpen, with several pitchers entering free agency.
Young pitchers such as Chase Burns, Andrew Abbott, Nick Lodolo, and Rhett Lowder will be important pieces as Cincinnati attempts to improve its pitching. Burns emerged as one of the team's bright spots in 2026, while Abbott and Lodolo remain established options in the rotation. That is, if Lodolo can figure out his blister issue(s).
Torres arrives with experience working alongside Cleveland pitchers including Gavin Williams, Tanner Bibee, and Emmanuel Clase. The Guardians have consistently developed effective pitching despite operating with one of baseball's smaller payrolls, an approach Cincinnati hopes to benefit from under its new coach.
The addition also continues Francona's tendency to surround himself with coaches familiar with his approach. With the Reds looking to rebound from a disappointing 75-87 season, Torres will be responsible for helping restore the pitching staff to the level that contributed to Cincinnati's postseason appearance in 2025.
