Pittsburgh Pirates 2022 Draft: MLB Pipeline Mocks Prep Infielder at #4

(Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
(Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
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(Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
(Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

The Pittsburgh Pirates have the 4th overall selection in this year’s Draft.  Could they look to add a prep hitter with the pick?

The Major League Baseball Draft is just days away.  The Pittsburgh Pirates will have the fourth overall selection on Sunday night and with it have a great opportunity to add a premium talent. Who could the team look to select with the pick? As of now, all signs seem to be pointing toward a high school hitter.

Today (Thursday) MLB Pipeline has recently posted their most up-to-date mock draft.  This mock was put together by Jonathan Mayo who is from the Pittsburgh area.  He typically has a good feel for what the Pittsburgh Pirates are doing in terms of the Draft.  In his mock draft, he has the Pittsburgh Pirates taking an elite prep bat.  He also mentions them potentially cutting a deal with their top pick to save against their Draft Bonus Pool.

“4. Pirates: Termarr Johnson, 2B, Mays HS, Ga. (No. 4) …it’s been hard to ignore the talk that the Pirates will cut a deal with a young hitter they really like, save money and spread their bonus pool around more, like they did last year. That could mean a choice between Johnson and Cam Collier.”
Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

This is what I somewhat expect from the Pittsburgh Pirates this Sunday.  They showed last year that they are more than willing to take a top prospect who fits into their overall Draft strategy.  This strategy was them saving some money on the top pick and acquiring higher-level talent later in the Draft.  This is what they did with Henry Davis in 2021, which allowed them to 4 high upside prep players with later picks.

Now, this is risky of course.  Having a top 5 pick is something no team wants, but at the same time when you have one, you gotta make it count.  MLB Pipeline currently has Johnson rated as the 4th best prospect available while some say he might be the best pure high school bat.  Johnson is a middle infielder with the athleticism to shift to the outfield.

If he was the pick obviously it would be a big-time pickup for the Pittsburgh Pirates.  I still favor Cam Collier due to him facing more advanced competition already.  Collier graduated high school early and joined a Junior College.  He posted strong numbers which have put him in top 10 consideration.  I also believe his signing bonus would be less than Johnson’s.

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Either way, the Pittsburgh Pirates are in a great spot to add a premium talent.  If Jonathan Mayo is correct and it ends up being Johnson the Bucs will be getting one of the best prep talents available. That is never a bad thing.

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