Pierce Johnson: RHP, Missouri State, 6'3", 180

Photo Credit: bleacherreport.com
Johnson is a name that has risen up draft boards early and often thanks to a strong spring for the Bears. Despite sporting a 2-6 record, Johnson has dominated his competition and potentially pitched his way into the 1st round in June. To date, he has a 2.85 ERA with 95 strikeouts in 74.2 innings pitched. He is not a physically imposing presence on the mound and he can certainly fill out his frame a bit more as he develops.
Health is a concern, as he has been riddled with various, minor injuries throughout his career and as recently as this year. He came back from the most recent injury, a forearm strain, and was throwing in the 91-93 range with both of his off-speed offerings, a hard curveball and a downer changeup, working well. Before the injury he was sitting in the 92-94 range and could crank his fastball up to 96 mph. A potential sleeper thanks to his injury and recent arrival on the scene, Johnson should hear his name called within the first 3 rounds in June.
MLB Comparison: Zach Stewart
Projected Draft Position: Supplemental Round-3rd Round
Health is a concern, as he has been riddled with various, minor injuries throughout his career and as recently as this year. He came back from the most recent injury, a forearm strain, and was throwing in the 91-93 range with both of his off-speed offerings, a hard curveball and a downer changeup, working well. Before the injury he was sitting in the 92-94 range and could crank his fastball up to 96 mph. A potential sleeper thanks to his injury and recent arrival on the scene, Johnson should hear his name called within the first 3 rounds in June.
MLB Comparison: Zach Stewart
Projected Draft Position: Supplemental Round-3rd Round
