Troy Johnston is a First Base Prospect on the Rise in the Marlins Organization

Troy Johnston missed a big chunk of his sophomore year at Gonzaga with a broken hand and went undrafted, but a solid junior year led the Marlins to pick him up in the 17th round of the 2019 MLB Draft. The 6ft left-handed hitter hit for average and gap power the last 2 seasons, hitting 27 and 25 doubles, but topped out at 15 homers. Promoted to triple A in late 2022, Johnson struggled, hitting just .155 and was sent back to double A to start 2023.

Power Surge in 2023

Johnson has been able to convert some of those doubles to home runs this year for Pensacola, already surpassing his career high. A corner outfielder in college, he transitioned to mainly first base as a professional due to below average speed and arm strength, so he'll need to continue his power surge when he gets another shot at triple A to show he can handle the spot in the majors.

Late Bloomer Facing an Uphill Battle

He's already 26, so hopefully that well earned promotion comes soon. Johnson has first autos in 2023. Bowman cards that could gain value if he continues tapping into his raw power. However, as an older prospect facing a competition at a stacked position, Johnson will need to make the most of his opportunities to stay on the radar as a future big leaguer.

Scouting Report

Here is a quick scouting report on Troy Johnston:

• Hits from the left side with a smooth swing and good plate discipline
• Makes consistent hard contact to all fields with gap power
• Has shown an ability to hit for average throughout his career
• Lacks elite speed or arm strength but plays competent defense at 1B
• Started to tap into raw power in 2023 with career-high HR total so far

Fantasy Outlook

While Johnston profiles as a potential everyday first baseman if he continues developing, his age and the talent blocking him in the Marlins organization make him a risky fantasy prospect. He will need a breakout at the triple A level to earn a look in Miami. For now, Johnston is mainly worth a flier in deep dynasty leagues.

FAQs

Q: What is Troy Johnston's batting stance like?

A: Johnston has a fairly open batting stance from the left side with a slight crouch. He keeps his hands close to his body and uses a level swing plane through the zone.

Q: When will Troy Johnston get his next chance in Triple-A?

A: If Johnston keeps hitting for power in Double-A, most analysts expect he will get another shot in Triple-A sometime in late 2023 or early 2024.

Q: What position does Troy Johnston play defensively?

A: While Johnston played corner outfield in college, he has transitioned full-time to first base as a pro due to below average speed and arm strength for the outfield.

Q: When was Troy Johnston drafted?

A: Troy Johnston was drafted by the Miami Marlins in the 17th round of the 2019 MLB June Amateur Draft out of Gonzaga University.

Q: How old is Troy Johnston now?

A: Troy Johnston is currently 26 years old, making him an older prospect relative to his level of competition in the minors.