Giants sign Johnson to minor-league Deal

The San Francisco Giants and right-hander Josh Johnson have agreed to a minor-league contract, as reported by the MiLB Roster Tracker account on Twitter.

Johnson, in the latter stages of his career, is set to turn 33 in January, yet has not appeared in a major league game since 2013 due to an onslaught of injuries.

The veteran underwent Tommy John Surgery in 2014 after signing a one-year, $8M contract with the San Diego Padres and resigned with the team the following offseason on a one-year, $1M contract, but suffered from both a nerve issue in his neck and soreness in his elbow. Johnson’s 2015 season resulted in the third Tommy John surgery of his career, but now the former starter is attempting to retool his career.

This signing is a relatively low-risk one on the part of the Giants, but San Francisco may possible reap the benefits of having a healthy Johnson on the mound. In his prime with the Florida/Miami Marlins, Johnson was one of baseball’s premier starting pitchers, posting WAR totals of 5.5 and 5.9 in 2009 and 2010, respectively, while leading the National League with a 2.30 ERA in 2010. Johnson made the National League All-Star team in 2009 and 2011 as well.

Injuries are not a recent development for Johnson, having, for the most part derailed what could have been an exceptional career. In his last somewhat full season of baseball, Johnson pitched 81.1 innings for the Toronto Blue Jays with a dismal 6.20 ERA while allowing a career-high 1.66 HR/9 before ending his season on the disabled list.

Making the big league team will be an uphill battle for Johnson. San Francisco has a strong core in the starting rotation, which features Madison Bumgarner, Johnny Cueto, Jeff Samardzija, Matt Moore, and possibly either Matt Cain or rookie Ty Blach as the fifth starter. Johnson’s best bet will be in the bullpen, as San Francisco is most likely parting ways with Jake Peavy, Javier Lopez, and Sergio Romo this offseason. The Giants’ front office may go after additional late-inning arms to complement Derek Law, George Kontos, Hunter Strickland, and Will Smith, all of whom are nearly guaranteed to be at Bruce Bochy’s disposal.

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