Baltimore Orioles Draft Profiles Vol. 1: Termarr Johnson

With the 2022 MLB Draft incoming, we will be working through five different prospects that the Baltimore Orioles could select later this month. Up first, Termarr Johnson.

Overall, Termarr Johnson is probably the best-hitting prospect in this year’s draft. The offense is undoubtedly something the Baltimore Orioles need, but is it wise to take a plunge on this guy? The easy part for the O’s is that they get the No.1 pick and don’t have to see who other teams take. However, not taking the No.1 overall player could be detrimental.

Scouting grades: Hit: 70 | Power: 60 | Run: 50 | Arm: 50 | Field: 55 | Overall: 60 

Living “dangerously” in the draft is something that Mike Elias has done in the past, so don’t be surprised to see him do so again later this month. If polarizing players are your thing, then you’re in luck when it comes to Termarr, as there is no other prospect quite like him. At 5’10 (more like 5’7/5’8), he looks to be better suited for the 2B position, even though he has played more at SS.

Neither his arm nor his ability is at par for the other players around him, so if the O’s were to pick him a No.1, expect them to make his primary home around second base. Being short in baseball is not a typical deal, but there are a lot of outstanding players that lack that vertical range. Names like Jose Altuve, Ozzie Albies, and Jose Ramirez overcame the height stigma.

Baltimore Orioles Draft Profiles Vol. 1: Termarr Johnson

The best way to describe Johnson would be if Joe Morgan and Vlad Guerrero had a baby. He has the plate discipline of someone like Morgan and the hitting ability of someone like Vladdy. Hyperbole, yes, but at least you know have a picture painted of what to expect.

If you need a more recent comparison, look no further than Robinson Cano. Despite Cano’s size, Johnson has a similar offensive and defensive attack to the baseball game. The comparisons rise, as it seems like Johnson will primarily play 2B once he starts his pro career.

If Mike Elias and the Baltimore Orioles get Swifty with their No.1 overall selection, then Termarr Johnson could undoubtedly be our guy in a few weeks’ time. Expect Termarr to be a fast riser through the Farm System, but that all depends on how his bat game gets recreated at the significant league level.

Johnson has recently climbed the rumor mills surrounding the Baltimore Orioles and has started trending on both scout and fan radars. This won’t be a wrong selection if it happens for either the O’s or Johnson. If he doesn’t go No.1, expect him to fall into the 5-7 range.