The Pittsburgh Pirates have added Cale Johnson as a minor league pitching coach. Johnson was previously with the Atlanta Braves, where he spent the 2022 season as a Minor League Pitching Strategist. There’s no word yet on his position with the Pirates.
Johnson began his career in pro ball in 2009 as a 41st round pick for the St. Louis Cardinals. The right-handed pitcher spent three years in the Cardinals system, followed by a season of independent ball.
He began coaching in pro ball in 2015, working first with the GCL Cardinals as their pitching coach. He moved up to the Appalachian League for 2016-17 seasons, then served with Low-A Peoria during the 2018-19 seasons.
Johnson became a minor league pitching analyst for the Cardinals during the 2020 season. He was hired by the Atlanta Braves in 2021 and worked as their assistant pitching coordinator, before moving up to the Pitching Strategist position this past season.
Coming from two systems known for developing pitching prospects, Johnson appears to be a solid add to the Pirates pitching development system.
