LOS ANGELES -- As Termarr Johnson left his first media scrum as a professional baseball player, the 18-year-old infielder had one last thing to say before being taken to his next stop.
"Let's go, Pittsburgh!"
The Pirates selected Johnson with the No. 4 overall pick in the MLB Draft Sunday at Xbox Plaza, making him the newest face in one of the best farm systems in baseball. He was was ranked by Baseball America as the No. 4 prospect in this year's class and was considered the outlet's best pure hitter.
When asked during his first availability to traveling reporters in Los Angeles what the Pirates are getting in him, he responded, "The best player in the draft."
"They're getting a ring, too," he added shortly after.
When he was told that comment was going viral on social media shortly after his first availability, Johnson's smile got a little larger. At the moment, this reporter opined that Pittsburgh was ready for him.
"I'm ready for them," he said back. "I'm so ready."
Those interactions certainly do leave a striking first impression of the young man. There is an undeniable confidence about him, but he's also personable. He'll extend a handshake or hug, saying that's how his parents, Terry and Kim, raised him.
Pirates’ draft pick Termarr Johnson gets a hug from commissioner Rob Manfred pic.twitter.com/K4b3rRIlOY
— Alex Stumpf (@AlexJStumpf) July 17, 2022
"That's how I was taught, that's how I grew up," Johnson said. "That's how my brothers are."
Johnson estimated there were 20 to 25 people here in the LA Live plaza for his draft day.
"It means everything to me," Johnson said. "Being out here with the people who got me to this point, who have supported me and made me a better person and player, it's amazing."
The 5'10" middle infielder -- he is listed as a second baseman, but has played shortstop through his career at Mays High School in Atlanta -- was a 2021 Perfect Game All-American.
“We are thrilled to select Termarr with the No. 4 overall selection,” Ben Cherington said. “We held true to our board and selected who we believe was the best available talent. Termarr has the potential to be a middle-of-the-order impact bat at a premium position."
Cherington said Johnson will enter the Pirates' system as a shortstop. Regardless of which side of second base he plays on, it's the bat the really stands out for Johnson.
"I think a couple things foundational make Termarr special," senior director of amateur scouting Joe DelliCarri said over Zoom. "How passionate he really is about his dynamics in the box. How intense and specific he is and the details about how he goes about his offensive game drew us to him. He’s a learner. We think he’s going to continue to study himself and know himself extremely well. That’s pretty much what he shared with us over a long period of time consistently.
"He likes to hit, but he knows a lot more about hitting than some other young kids. He’s passionate about it, and we think that’s going to continue. That’s what we like a lot about him. Termarr Johnson is special."
Termarr Johnson is special. pic.twitter.com/POEbz5elSw
— Young Bucs (@YoungBucsPIT) July 18, 2022
And like Johnson said, he believes the Pirates are getting a ring out of this pick.
"At the end of the day, I want to win a ring," Johnson said. "I want to win a couple rings, and I want to be an All-Star. I'm going to put myself in that position, and I know the Pirates are going to put me in position to be that guy."
