Seth Johnson Stats & Scouting Report College Baseball, MLB Draft, Prospects

BA Grade/Risk: 50/Extreme

Track Record: Johnson started as a shortstop at Louisburg (N.C.) JC but showed impressive aptitude once he converted to the mound and pitched his way up draft boards in his one season at Campbell. The Rays selected him 40th overall in 2019 and traded him to the Orioles as part of a three-team deal that sent Trey Mancini to Houston and outfielder Jose Siri to Tampa Bay. Johnson had an elbow injury that required Tommy John surgery at the time of the trade, which made such a talented arm available at the deadline.

Scouting Report: Before his injury, Johnson boasted the kind of hoppy fastball the Orioles favor, one that regularly sat in the mid-90s and topped out at 98 mph. He generated that velocity from an easy, effortless delivery. His slider was at least a plus pitch with tight, late break, and he also boasts a slower curveball and developing changeup. Johnson showed an ability to miss bats with that arsenal, with a 17.7% swinging strike rate helping him strike out 13.7 batters per nine innings in seven starts for High-A Bowling Green without an elevated walk rate.

The Future: The injury, however, means Johnson likely won't pitch a meaningful amount until 2024. The Orioles added Johnson to the 40-man roster in November to protect him from the Rule 5 draft, and hope he recovers quickly enough to warrant the long-term roster spot. It stands to reason he will, however, considering Johnson's stuff comfortably profiles to the back half of a major league rotation with a high relief ceiling should he come back healthy.

Scouting Grades: Fastball: 60. Curveball: 45. Slider: 60. Changeup: 45. Control: 50

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