The Cincinnati Reds confirmed on Wednesday afternoon that they have hired Joe Torres as the team’s next pitching coach. Torres, 44, joins the Reds after five seasons as the assistant pitching coach for the Cleveland Guardians, where he helped the club rank among the top ten in earned run average (ERA) each year.
Torres’ coaching résumé
Torres spent his entire ten‑year professional coaching career within the Guardians organization. He worked his way up through the minor‑league system, serving as pitching coach at the High‑A, Single‑A and Rookie‑Arizona Complex League levels, and later as the organization’s minor‑league pitching coordinator. In 2022 and 2023, he served under Reds manager Terry Francona while Francona was still at the helm in Cleveland, giving Torres direct exposure to the Reds’ leadership.
During his five‑year stint on the Guardians’ staff, the team captured four American League Central division titles and consistently posted a top‑10 ERA in the majors. Those results reflect a pitching staff that benefited from Torres’ instruction and development focus.
Playing background
Before turning to coaching, Torres was a first‑round draft pick of the Anaheim Angels in the 2000 MLB Draft. He pitched in parts of 13 professional seasons, appearing in 345 minor‑league games, though he never reached the major‑league level. A former Arizona State standout, Torres also earned two gold medals representing Team USA at the Baseball World Cup in 1998 and 1999.
Why the Reds made the move
The Reds announced the hiring after confirming that former pitching coach Derek Johnson will not return for the 2027 season. By selecting Torres, the organization signals a commitment to continuity in pitching philosophy and a desire to build on the strong defensive work that characterized the Guardians’ staff during his tenure.
General manager Nick Krall praised Torres’ “deep knowledge of pitcher development” and his ability to “connect with both young arms and veteran leaders.” The club hopes that Torres’ experience will help improve the Reds’ staff ERA and develop the promising talent on the roster.
Local impact
For Cincinnati fans, the appointment is a reminder that the city’s baseball tradition continues to attract seasoned professionals who understand the Midwest baseball culture. The Reds’ front office believes Torres’ background aligns with the team’s goal of fostering a competitive, family‑friendly environment on and off the field.
Torres will begin his duties immediately, working closely with the pitching staff during spring training and preparing the rotation for the upcoming season.
Original reporting: WLWT Cincinnati — read the source article.
