Pirates' 2022 first-rounder heading to next level for late-season opportunity

In a significant blow to the Greensboro Grasshoppers' playoff hopes, but a more significant step forward for the Pirates organization, word leaked Sunday evening that Termarr Johnson was being promoted to Double-A for the stretch run. The 2022 first-round selection for Pittsburgh has been having a decent season with Greensboro at just 20 years old.

Johnson appeared in the MLB Futures Game this season. He is a top 100 prospect, according to MLB Pipeline, ranked as the 83rd best in the game. The middle infield prospect will soon debut with the Altoona Curve to finish off the 2024 season.

How has Pirates prosepct Termarr Johnson performed this season?

With Greensboro, Johnson has been above average, with his elite walk percentage of 16.1% and his on-base percentage of .371. His OPS sits at .755 with 13 home runs and 46 runs driven in. He's also added 17 doubles and a triple to make his slugging percentage .374. On top of all of that, Johnson has totaled 19 stolen bases.

All of these numbers have helped produce Johnson's impressive 122 wRC+. These numbers are not bad at all, but they actually represent his most unproductive season so far. This should not generate concern about his ability (he has still shown himself to be a solid hitter at times), but moreover, the numbers should make you enthused. This is his worst season to date? Not bad at all.

Johnson will likely see most of his time at second base with Altoona, as Tsung Che Cheng has taken up the majority of shortstop duties this season. His place in Greensboro will be taken by Javier Rivas, who was just promoted to replace him.

With Johnson finishing the 2024 season in Double-A, it is possible that he could debut in Pittsburgh during the 2025 season. It is likely that he begins 2025 in Altoona, but a hot streak could have him up in Indianapolis by June.

Keep an eye out for the Johnson with the Altoona Curve, as this is very big in his developmental process. The pitching at Double-A includes a lot of talent, which should give him his biggest test of his minor-league career.