Jared Johnson has battled injuries throughout his career, but finally healthy, he’s starting to establish himself as one of the top relief prospects in Atlanta Braves system.

How acquired

Johnson was a sleeper pick in the 14th round in 2019 MLB Draft from 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 got late helium with a speed spike that spring and received an overslot signing bonus, signing for $257,000.

Preseason report

Johnson did honorable mention list for our Preseason Top 30, with the following description:

“Since being part of the 2019 draft, Johnson’s career has taken a slow path, but he is showing the talent to be a force in a major league bullpen. In short outings, Johnson can sit in the upper 90s with his fastball, overpowering hitter and also drop an upper-80s to low-90s shortstop slider.Command pushed him into a full-time role upon a promotion to High-A Rome, but the raw 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 far in 2024 with his first full, healthy offseason for a while.”

What we saw in 2024

Johnson spent the entire 2024 season where he finished his 2023 season, in High-A Rome. He went on to appear in 38 games, 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 finished the season strong, but had some issues with his command in the middle of the season. His stuff continued to overpower hitters when it was on, helping him to a 10.6 K/9.

2025 Outlook

Johnson will likely get a few chances to pitch against the big leagues in spring training before heading to Double-A for the first time. Although he will turn 24 near the end of spring training, the 2024 season was only his second full season healthy 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 can sharpen his command a bit more consistently.