Despite his stature, this Pirates prospect is forging a new strength regimen. He aims to build power and stamina for the majors.
Termarr Johnson is not a physical specimen. The Pittsburgh Pirates' second base prospect stands 5-foot-8.
That hasn’t stopped Johnson from showing some power since the Pirates selected him fourth overall in the 2022 amateur draft following his graduation from high school in Atlanta. Johnson has popped 43 home runs in four minor league seasons, including 18 at the Class A level in 2023.
However, Johnson knows he needs to get stronger as he gets closer to reaching the major leagues. The 21-year-old will likely begin the upcoming season at Triple-A Indianapolis. So, the left-handed hitter has changed his workout routine this offseason.
“I've been working on the body, making sure the body feels good,” Johnson said. “Body feels strong. I've been able to put on some good muscle mass, so be able to continue with that. I think I have a really good routine in place, so continue on with the routine and stay consistent with that.”
Johnson is coming off a solid season at Double-A Altoona. He hit .272/.363/.382 with nine home runs and 20 stolen bases in 119 games. Johnson also finished strong by posting a .331 batting average in his 34 games.
Yet Johnson considers last season a stepping stone to better things, which is why he has made his workouts more difficult. Some of the luster has also been lost from his prospect status as he has fallen off all the top 100 lists this year. Baseball America ranks Johnson as the organization's No. 7 prospect.
“When you're going into a new level in life, you got to prepare mentally, physically,” Johnson said. “Obviously, the physical side, you know, needs to be good, so make sure the physical is good, make sure I can stay strong in 162 games. Then mentally, just making sure that the mind's ready for whatever. The hardest challenge is knocking that down.”
Indianapolis’ likely middle infield will consist of Johnson and shortstop Connor Griffin, who is universally regarded as baseball’s top prospect despite being just 19. Griffin is expected to make his major-league debut, and Johnson hopes to join him in Pittsburgh. The Pirates envision them playing together for many years.
“To play for the Pirates, I think that's the main goal. I think that's what I got paid to do,” said Johnson, who got a $7,219,000 signing bonus in the draft. “So, I got to fulfill my duties. I think the decision of when it happens that's ultimately up to the higher-ups, not my job. My job's to go in there and play baseball, but my job is to play for the Pirates, so getting ready to do that, and staying prepared for that, and win games.”
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