Pittsburgh Pirates: Intriguing Non-Roster Invitees to Spring Training

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Second baseman Temarr Johnson

Termarr Johnson is the most recent first-round pick by the Pittsburgh Pirates. He was selected 4th overall in the 2022 MLB Draft. At just 5'7", the 18-year-old was arguably the best pure prep hitter in the draft and he quickly became a top prospect for the Pirates.

After previously playing shortstop in high school, he has now transitioned to be a 2nd baseman for the foreseeable future. Last season with the Bradenton Marauders, Johnson posted solid numbers in a small sample size, posting a .275/.396/.450 slash line, with 1 home run, 6 RBI, and a 139 wRC+ across 53 plate appearances.

While Johnson isn't known for hitting home runs, he makes up for it with a great contact bat that can produce hits all across the field. Johnson is currently ranked as the no. 26 prospect in all of baseball according to MLB Pipeline and is projected to start out this season in High-A Greensboro.

Even with a great hit tool, It is highly unlikely that Johnson will sniff the Major Leagues until he faces better competition at the Double-A and Triple-A in 2-3 years, but he will be fun to watch this spring in Bradenton alongside former first-round picks Nick Gonzales and Henry Davis. Keep an eye on this kid for the foreseeable future.