Braves sign Jim Johnson to one-year, $1.6 million contract

The Braves have signed right-hander Jim Johnson to a one-year, $1.6 million major-league contract, according to a major-league source. Johnson can potentially earn an additional $900K in performance bonuses, meaning that the deal could potentially be worth $2.5 million if all incentives are reached.

Johnson, 31, was an All-Star as recently as 2012 but struggled mightily in 2014, posting a combined 7.09 ERA in 54 relief appearances with the Athletics and Tigers after being traded by the Orioles last winter. His surprising struggles came after three years as Orioles' closer in which he posted a sub-3.00 ERA with 110 saves.

For the Braves, Johnson will likely serve as a late-inning setup man for closer Craig Kimbrel, replacing Jordan Walden, who was dealt to the Cardinals along with Jason Heyward last month. Other righties in the Braves' bullpen mix include Shae Simmons, Anthony Varvaro, David Carpenter, David Hale, and Juan Jaime.

Johnson is looking forward to working with Braves' pitching coach Roger McDowell, who was a sinker-ball pitcher like Johnson during his playing career.