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

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.

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.