Ivan Johnson

Johnson ranked No. 473 on the 2017 BA 500 out of Kennesaw (Ga.) Mountain High after showing solid defensive actions at shortstop and performing well against some of the class’ top prep pitchers. However, he went undrafted and instead made it to campus at Georgia, where Johnson struggled, hitting just .239/.314/.283 with a 38 percent strikeout rate in 46 at-bats. Following that season, Johnson transferred to Chipola (Fla.) JC for the 2019 campaign, where he led the team in each triple-slash category—hitting .389/.500/.606 with nine home runs, 33 walks and 37 strikeouts in 55 games. Johnson looked more physical during the fall and that has shown up in his power production, which is at least average in games with plus raw power. Johnson’s swing works well from both sides, with quick hands that can catch up to velocity, although he sometimes struggles with offspeed offerings on the outer half of the plate as a lefthanded hitter. There is some length to his swing at times—and scouts will certainly not forget about the strikeout rate he showed during his brief look with Georgia—but most scouts grade his hit tool as a 50 after what he’s shown this spring. Johnson has split time at shortstop and second base for Chipola. He has the defensive actions to handle shortstop, but, as an average runner, he might be a more ideal fit as a second baseman. Johnson performed well in front of high-level decision-makers this spring and could go off the board early on Day 2.