Reds Name Joe Torres Pitching Coach

The Cincinnati Reds hired Joe Torres, 44, as pitching coach, reuniting him with manager Terry Francona, whom he worked under in Cleveland in 2022 and 2023. Torres spent the past five seasons as the Guardians’ assistant pitching coach, during which Cleveland ranked among MLB’s top 10 teams in ERA each year and won four American League Central titles. He replaces Derek Johnson, who took a leave of absence during the 2026 season and was not retained; Johnson’s separate role as the Reds’ director of pitching remains unfilled. Torres spent a decade in Cleveland’s organization in major- and minor-league coaching and coordination roles. The appointment follows a 2026 season in which Cincinnati’s pitching staff posted a 4.83 ERA, ranking 28th in MLB, and led the league in walks; the rotation is led by breakout pitcher Chase Burns.