Pittsburgh Pirates Draft: Breaking Down Termarr Johnson

The Pittsburgh Pirates picked Termarr Johnson with the fourth overall pick in the draft. So what kind of player are they getting?

The Pittsburgh Pirates used their first round pick and the fourth overall pick in the 2022 draft on middle infielder Termarr Johnson. Johnson is a shortstop out of Mays High School in Georgia. Although many sources listed Johnson as a keystone defender, the Pirates will pick him as a shortstop.

So, what does Johnson bring to the organization?

The big thing Johnson has been praised for his his pure talent for hitting. MLB Pipeline drew comparrisons to Wade Boggs’ overall plate discipline, and Vlad Guerrero Sr.’s vision at the plate. It doesn’t take a baseball superfan to know that’s a pretty good comparrison. MLB Pipeline loves Johnson’s hit tool, grading it out as a 70 tool on the 20-80 scale. FanGraphs wasn’t as bullish with them projecting him with a 60-grade hit tool. He has “thunderous” hitter with quick and explosive actions, according to Joe Doyle of Prospects Live.

The most impressive part is that he draws these comparrisons as one of the younger players in the draft. Johnson is 18-years-old, but turned 18 on June 11th. Having that good of an eye at the plate is all the better for Johnson when he is is far from done developing.

Either way, Johnson projects to have above average power. MLB Pipeline projects him to have 60-grade power. FanGraphs has him at a 50-game power projection, but a 55-raw power projection. He’s a guy who could consistently give the Pirates 25 bombs and top out with 30+. You wouldn’t guess that from his 5’10”, 175-pound stature, but like stated earlier, he’s still relatively young. He’ll have a bit more muscle by the time he’s 22-23 years old.

Now the Pittsburgh Pirates did pick Johnson as a shortstop, but many project him to end up at second base. Johnson is fast enough to swipe a dozen bags, but his range doesn’t seem to be one of his strengths. Neither is his arm. He might have trouble making some of the deeper throws from short unless he adds some arm strength. However, he does have the instincts to play shortstop. The Pirates will likely keep him at shortstop until he proves he can’t play it.

Johnson does not lack confidence, either. When asked what the Pirates are getting in him Johnson told reporters “Pirates are getting the best player in the draft. And a ring.” We like the mindset young man.

The pick of Termarr Johnson is a very good choice by the Pirates. He’s considered the best pure hitting player in this year’s draft. It also helps he plays a premium position and projects to have good power. If he can remain at shortstop, it makes all the more valuable. Keep tuned in with Rum Bunter as we will provide coverage for the rest of the draft.