Ryan Johnson

Johnson started all four years at Pepperdine and led the West Coast Conference with 18 home runs this spring. Though he’s not overly big at 6-foot, 175 pounds, he’s strong in his frame and has at least average power that projects to translate with a wood bat. He’s an inconsistent hitter who swings and misses too often but flashes a feel to hit, providing hope he can make adjustments to make more contact at higher levels. Johnson is a good athlete who played both second base and catcher at Pepperdine and is fringy but playable at both spots. He impressed playing shortstop during pre-draft workouts and could potentially see time there as well. Johnson’s power, athleticism and defensive versatility give him upside if he can find a way to make more contact. He projects to be taken late on the draft’s second day.