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Jared Johnson | Credit: Garrett Spain - Battery Power
Jared Johnson is one of the top reliever prospects in the Braves system. Jared Johnson has battled injuries through his career, but finally healthy he is starting to establish himself as one of the best relief prospects in the Atlanta Braves system.
How acquired
Johnson was an overslept 14th round pick in the 2019 MLB Draft out of Smithville HS in Smithville, Mississippi. He had been an under the radar to completely off the radar prospect heading into his senior year of high school, as he received late helium with a velocity spike that spring and received an over-slot signing bonus, signing for $257,000.
Preseason Report Card
Johnson made the honorable mention list for our Preseason Top 30, with the following writeup:
“Since being a part of the 2019 draft Johnson’s career has taken a slow path, but he flashes the talent to be a force in a major league bullpen. In short outings Johnson can sit in the upper 90’s with his fastball, overpowering hitters and also dropping in a short-breaking upper-80’s to low-90’s slider. Command pushed him to a full time bullpen role upon a promotion to High-A Rome, however the raw stuff can play as long as he can find the zone. Johnson’s time in the pro ranks has been tumultuous due to the covid layoff and Tommy John surgery in 2022, but he is in a position to go a long way in 2024 with his first full, healthy offseason in awhile.”
What we saw in 2024
Johnson spent the entire 2024 season where he ended his 2023 season, in High-A Rome. He went on to appear in 38 games, pitching 52 innings with a 2.60 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, and 61 strikeouts to 27 walks. He also recorded eight saves while spending most of the year as the closer. He started and ended the season strong, but did have some slight issues with his command in the middle of the season. His stuff continued to overpower hitters when it was on, which helped him rack up a 10.6 K/9.
2025 Outlook
Johnson will probably get some chances to pitch against big leaguers in spring training before he heads to Double-A for the first time. Although he turns 24 towards the end of spring training, the 2024 season was just his second healthy full season as a pro. He still has time to spend a year in Double-A before continuing up the ladder, but could earn a promotion sooner if he is able to tighten his command a little more consistently.
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/LF0cfxC_ffa3JuuCbjoUoMVykjM=/0x0:6036x4024/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73725455/DSC_1903.0.jpg">
Jared Johnson | Credit: Garrett Spain - Battery Power
Jared Johnson is one of the top reliever prospects in the Braves system. Jared Johnson has battled injuries through his career, but finally healthy he is starting to establish himself as one of the best relief prospects in the Atlanta Braves system.
How acquired
Johnson was an overslept 14th round pick in the 2019 MLB Draft out of Smithville HS in Smithville, Mississippi. He had been an under the radar to completely off the radar prospect heading into his senior year of high school, as he received late helium with a velocity spike that spring and received an over-slot signing bonus, signing for $257,000.
Preseason Report Card
Johnson made the honorable mention list for our Preseason Top 30, with the following writeup:
“Since being a part of the 2019 draft Johnson’s career has taken a slow path, but he flashes the talent to be a force in a major league bullpen. In short outings Johnson can sit in the upper 90’s with his fastball, overpowering hitters and also dropping in a short-breaking upper-80’s to low-90’s slider. Command pushed him to a full time bullpen role upon a promotion to High-A Rome, however the raw stuff can play as long as he can find the zone. Johnson’s time in the pro ranks has been tumultuous due to the covid layoff and Tommy John surgery in 2022, but he is in a position to go a long way in 2024 with his first full, healthy offseason in awhile.”
What we saw in 2024
Johnson spent the entire 2024 season where he ended his 2023 season, in High-A Rome. He went on to appear in 38 games, pitching 52 innings with a 2.60 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, and 61 strikeouts to 27 walks. He also recorded eight saves while spending most of the year as the closer. He started and ended the season strong, but did have some slight issues with his command in the middle of the season. His stuff continued to overpower hitters when it was on, which helped him rack up a 10.6 K/9.
2025 Outlook
Johnson will probably get some chances to pitch against big leaguers in spring training before he heads to Double-A for the first time. Although he turns 24 towards the end of spring training, the 2024 season was just his second healthy full season as a pro. He still has time to spend a year in Double-A before continuing up the ladder, but could earn a promotion sooner if he is able to tighten his command a little more consistently.
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