Termarr Johnson Excels During Arizona Fall League Stint
On the night of the 2022 MLB Draft, Termarr Johnson heard his named called early, as the Pittsburgh Pirates chose the Atlanta native prep standout, with the fourth overall pick. He became the highest selected middle infielder in the franchise’s draft history.
Upon his selection, Johnson had been touted by most baseball publications as the best pure hitter among high school players, in the ‘22 draft class.
After Johnson signed for $7,219,000, he made his pro debut in the Florida Complex League, and then finished up with Low A Bradenton. His combined numbers for both teams was a slash line of .222/.366/.365.
Johnson began 2023 as a Bradenton Marauder. By seasons end, he was promoted to High A Greensboro. In a total of 462 plate appearances, Johnson hit 18 home runs, while posting an OPS of .860. He also walked 101 times - becoming the first Pirates minor league player to draw 100 free passes in a season since Robbie Grossman did so in 2011.
This year, Johnson returned to Greensboro. He slashed .238/.372/.385, in 487 plate appearances, before receiving a promotion with AA Altoona. Johnson struggled some for the Curve, as he had a .229/.316/.396 line, in 57 plate appearances.
As the third ranked prospect in the Pirates’ system, Johnson was chosen to headline a group of Pirates prospects, who would be taking part in the Arizona Fall League.
Playing for the Scottsdale Scorpions, the 20-year-old Johnson had an eventful, opening night, as he delivered a homer, as well as an opposite field RBI single. However, Johnson sustained an apparent foot injury, but after the game, he was jumping around with teammates, so it wasn’t serious.
In 11 games with Scottsdale, Johnson put up an impressive, .250/.444/.475 slash, and had more walks (14) than strikeouts (11).
On Thursday, video was shown of Johnson taking batting practice for Team USA. At the time of his departure in the AFL, he had the 14th highest on base percentage.