The Pittsburgh Pirates, despite losing often for the better part of the last decade and making their best efforts to give away young talent, have still managed to put together a nice list of prospects heading to the 2023 MLB season.
They have enjoyed Bryan Reynolds for a few years now, Mitch Keller seems to be improving, and their hopes rest on shortstop Oneil Cruz‘s shoulders.
Their minor leagues are also filled with high-potential players.
Quinn Priester is the future in the rotation, Henry Davis projects as a top catcher, and Endy Rodriguez has a potent bat and defensive versatility.
When it comes to youth and potential, however, they have no better combination of both than second baseman Termarr Johnson.
He is, in fact, MLB’s best second base prospect.
18-year-old Termarr Johnson sits atop the list for second base prospects. 😳 pic.twitter.com/BzRyl59L0r
— MLB (@MLB) January 23, 2023
He topped the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Michael Busch and Detroit Tigers’ Jace Jung for the honor.
We will have to wait a little while for Johnson, as he is just 18 years old and still in A-ball.
However, the Pirates are hoping he is worth the wait.
The fourth overall pick in the 2022 Amateur MLB Draft, Johnson has a sweet left-handed swing that will generate lots of quality contact.
He doesn’t have the frame to become a consistent 30-homer threat, but knows how to take a walk and take advantage of his pitch and has such an elite barrel control that 20 per season wouldn’t be out of the question.
He started his professional career last year in the Florida Complex League.
After a handful of games to get his feet wet, he played 14 games in A-ball where he excelled with a .275/.396/.450 line and a home run.
He seems like a fast-riser, but is at best a couple of years away.
Still, he is a very good one.
NEXT: Pirates Veteran Is Ready To Watch Oneil Cruz Shine