The Baseball Buffet for 1/12/2026

CIN signs RP Pierce Johnson. According to an article by Mark Sheldon at MLB, the Reds are signing right-handed reliever Pierce Johnson. Now 34 years old, Johnson has pitched eight years in the majors, with five different clubs. Last year he had a productive campaign with the Braves, posting a 3.05 ERA with 59 K in 59 IP. This is the latest of several offseason bullpen moves for the Reds, as previously they re-signed their closer Emilio Pagán, and also signed lefty free agent Caleb Ferguson.

C Roy Campanella - Dodgers (1948-57)

OF Dave Parker - Pirates (1973-83), Reds (84-87), and four other clubs

SP Larry Jackson - Cardinals (1955-62)

OF Kevin Kiermaier - Rays 2014-22), Blue Jays (2023-24)

OF Mike Greenwell - Red Sox (1985-96)

SP Bob Veale - Pirates (1962-72)

SP Corbin Burnes - Brewers (2018-23), Orioles 2024, Diamondbacks (2025)

RP Edwin Díaz - Mariners (2016-18), Mets (2019-25)

1946: Ted Williams is discharged from his Marine Air Corps service. “Boston Red Sox star Ted Williams receives his discharge from the U.S. Marine Air Corps after a three-year stint serving in World War II. In spite of the long absence from competitive baseball, Williams will return to the major leagues by hitting .342 with 38 home runs and 123 RBI this season.”

1983: Brooks Robinson and Juan Marichal are elected to the Hall of Fame. “The Baseball Writers Association of America elects two players to the Hall of Fame: Juan Marichal, the winningest Latin American pitcher in major league history, who won 20 or more games six times and had an ERA of 2.50 or less six times as well, and Brooks Robinson, a winner of 16 straight Gold Gloves and hero of the 1970 World Series, who becomes the 14th player elected in his first year of eligibility.”

1984: The Goose signs on with San Diego. “Free agent relief ace Goose Gossage leaves the New York Yankees and signs with the San Diego Padres. The hard-throwing right-hander will save 25 games this season and help the Padres to their first appearance in the World Series.”

1988: Willie Stargell is elected to the Hall of Fame. “Former Pittsburgh Pirates slugger Willie Stargell is the only player elected to the Hall of Fame by the BBWAA. Stargell, leader of two World Championships in Pittsburgh and National League co-MVP in 1979 at age 39, becomes the 17th player to be elected in his first year of eligibility. Pitcher Jim Bunning falls four votes shy of the 321 needed for election in his 13th year on the ballot.”

1994: Steve Carlton is elected to the Hall of Fame. “Steve Carlton, winner of 329 games and four Cy Young Awards, is elected to the Hall of Fame by the BBWAA receiving almost 96% of the vote. Orlando Cepeda falls seven votes short of the 75% required for election.”

2009: Rickey Henderson, the Man of Steal, is elected to the Hall of Fame. “Rickey Henderson, the all-time major league leader in stolen bases, runs and leadoff home runs, is elected to the Hall of Fame on the first ballot; at the time of his retirement, Henderson also held the all-time walk record. Also elected is Jim Rice, the third player to go in on the 15th and final ballot (after Ralph Kiner and Red Ruffing).”

15-year major league career, spanning from 1973-1987, mostly as a 3B with the Pirates, Cubs, and Giants

Three-time All-Star and received down-ballot MVP votes six times

Won four NL batting titles, hitting .354 in 1975, .339 in 1976, .341 in 1981, and .323 in 1983

Had a modest mix of power and speed, with 15+ HR four times and 15+ SB six times, with a high of 32 SB in 1979

Didn't strike out very often, with 40+ K in only four seasons

Overall had 163 HR, 174 SB, a .305/.365/.442 slash line, and a 123 OPS+

10-year major league pitching career, spanning from 1973-1982, mostly with the Padres

Was an All-Star and came in second in the NL Cy Young Award vote in 1975 when he led the NL with 2.24 ERA

Was an All-Star again in 1976 and won the NL Cy Young Award with a 2.74 ERA while leading the league in wins with a 22-14 record

Not a hard thrower, he was a lefty who relied heavily on his sinker to induce plenty of groundouts

Overall had a 100-123 record, a 3.42 ERA, and a 101 ERA+

9-year major league pitching career, spanning from 2003-2011, mostly with the Marlins and Tigers

Was an All-Star and won the NL Rookie of the Year Award in 2003 with a 14-6 record and 3.30 ERA

Was an All-Star again in 2005 and came in second in the NL Cy Young Award vote after posting a 2.63 ERA and leading the league in wins with a 22-10 record

Was known for his unorthodox pitching style, which included a high leg kick and a twisting movement away from the batter

After a down season in 2007, was traded along with slugger Miguel Cabrera to the Tigers for a package of six players. Injuries and control issues led to limited success the rest of his career.

Was an above average hitter for a pitcher, with a .244 average and 9 HR in 447 plate appearances

Overall had a 72-69 record, a 4.17 ERA, and a 101 ERA+

10-year major league career, spanning from 1884-1893, mostly playing OF and 1B with Philadelphia of the American Association

Scored 100+ runs four times, including a high of 133 runs in 1886

Led his league in doubles with 37 in 108 games in 1885, and 36 in 139 games in 1886

Had between 12-16 triples for seven consecutive seasons, had 20+ SB four times, and had 100+ RBI twice

Overall had 129 SB, 114 triples, a .303/.380/.440 slash line, and a 142 OPS+

The future Hall of Famers we will see play in 2026, by Mike Petriello at MLB, 1/8/2026

Bregman deal sets up 5th pair of teammates who were top 2 picks in same Draft, by Brian Murphy at MLB, 1/11/2026

Meet the 15 women who are GMs of Minor League Baseball teams, by Josh Jackson at MLB, 1/8/2026

5 Baseball Cards as Mysterious (or Something) as the Sphinx, at Wax Pack Gods Newsletter, 1/11/2026