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Reds Seek New Pitching Coach Amidst Coaching Drama
27 Oct
Summary
- Derek Johnson was placed on leave mid-2026 season.
- Oscar Marin offers in-house continuity as a candidate.
- Juan Sandoval has developed top relievers for Brewers.
The Cincinnati Reds are in pursuit of a new pitching coach, a search that intensified after Derek Johnson's mid-2026 season leave of absence concluded with his not returning for the upcoming season. Johnson had previously led a top-10 pitching staff under David Bell. The club now needs to appoint a leader for a pitching unit featuring rising ace Chase Burns, the recovering Hunter Greene, and established pitchers like Andrew Abbott and Nick Lodolo.
Potential candidates include Oscar Marin, the Reds' current bullpen coach, who represents an internal option. Marin has prior experience as a pitching coach for other major league organizations. Alternatively, the Reds are looking at Juan Sandoval, assistant pitching coach for the Milwaukee Brewers, who has contributed to the development of relievers like Jacob Misiorowski and Abner Uribe. Connor McGuiness of the Los Angeles Dodgers is also a notable candidate, having worked with numerous star pitchers.
While an internal hire like Marin might offer continuity, many fans desire an external perspective. The decision on who will lead the pitching staff is critical for the Reds' future success, especially with a promising group of young talent.
