Pittsburgh Pirates Prospects: Checking in on 2022 Draft Picks at Bradenton

Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Pittsburgh Pirates
Jul 29, 2022; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates first round pick Termarr Johnson and fourth overall player drafted in the 2022 MLB Draft takes batting practice before the Pirates host the Philadelphia Phillies at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 4 overall pick Termarr Johnson

The 2022 draft pick who generated the most buzz among Pirate fans was no. 4 overall pick Termarr Johnson. A prep infielder, Johnson was arguably the best pure hitter and best overall talent in the draft.

So far, the 18-year-old Johnson’s professional career is off to a tremendous start. Entering play on Sunday he had 53 plate appearances with the Marauders. In these 53 PAs Johnson owns a .275/.396/.450 slash line and a wRC+ of 139.

While Johnson’s 24.5% strikeout rate is a bit higher than you would like to see, it is by no means a concern. Especially for a hitter as young as Johnson. Additionally, he is drawing walks at an elite 18.9% clip showing a great eye at the plate. Johnson has hit two doubles and his first career home run, with that home run being an inside the park home run.

Johnson has done nothing but impress thus far. The Pittsburgh Pirates could not have asked for a much better start to Johnson’s professional career. He has looked the part of an advanced prep hitter who could climb through the farm system quickly. It would not be a surprise to see the Pirates be aggressive with Johnson and have him start the 2023 season at High-A Greensboro.

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