Braves sign reliever Jim Johnson to 2-year extension
Jim Johnson's production as the veteran staple to a young, improving bullpen did not go unnoticed by the Atlanta Braves front office. The franchise signed Johnson, 33, to a two-year contract extension on Sunday afternoon.
"I look at this way: This last year has been a development year for the organization," Johnson said after the deal was announced. "Now it turns into — this is about winning and competing consistently. I'm excited about that chapter."
General manager John Coppolella said the franchise considered the extension for "about a month" before Sunday's announcement.
"He's somebody that as good as he is on the field he's just as good off the field," Coppolella said.
In 63 2/3 innings pitched this season, serving as the team's primary closer since mid-July, Johnson owns a 3.11 ERA and 19 saves. His peripheral numbers are even better, particularly a 2.77 fielding-independent pitching, a top-20 mark among qualified relievers, and a 9.33 strikeout rate. It is his best season since his All-Star days with the Baltimore Orioles.
Johnson has played a crucial role in turning one of baseball's worst bullpens in 2015 into a second-half strength for the Braves. As talented young arms like Mauricio Cabrera, Jose Ramirez and Shae Simmons joined the relief corps, alongside surprise breakout Chaz Roe, Johnson served as the stabilizing force in the ninth inning. In September, the Braves bullpen owned the second-highest WAR and fifth-best ERA in baseball.
"Well I think a lot of it, too, is there was a lot of guys that were kinda pressed into (MLB roles) out of more necessity rather than earning it to get to this level," Johnson said. "And so now I think things have kind of settled down over the last couple months and you see the picture that's presented itself to everybody."
Johnson previously signed one-year deals with Atlanta over the past two offseasons.
He was packaged to the Los Angeles Dodgers at last season's trade deadline.
"I've always said I'll do whatever they want me to do. Whatever helps the team. That's the most important thing," Johnson said. "Whether you're a starter, reliever, closer, whatever, you just need to do your job and pull your weight. ... If I go out there and save a bunch of games that's good for everybody. If I don't and we're winning and I'm helping, that's fine too."
