BRADENTON, Fla. -- It was the final moment before the first off-day of Spring Training. An exhibition game, no less.
But as Pirates players entered the LECOM Park clubhouse following a 7-1 victory over Team Colombia on March 3, there was Termarr Johnson -- in the middle of it all and having a blast.
Johnson didn’t play in the game, mind you. He was simply there to cheer on his teammates. For someone who’s become a leader among the organization's Minor Leaguers, Johnson (Pirates' No. 7 prospect) was embracing the role and letting his personality shine.
“I’ve been around for a few years now, so I know these guys,” Johnson said. “My cheers for them are authentic. We talked early in camp about positive reinforcement and supporting the team. I’m just trying to be myself -- energetic and enthusiastic.”
Johnson’s time at LECOM Park ended on Thursday, as he was one of eight players reassigned to Minor League Spring Training at Pirate City. But it was far from a waste.
The 2022 first-round Draft pick hit .368 and produced a 1.026 OPS in 19 Cactus League at-bats across 12 games. They were solid numbers, but Johnson also impressed with various parts of his process. How much he supported his teammates, for one. But also the quality of his at-bats and contact, plus how he’s looked defensively at second base.
As for the others reassigned to Minor League camp, that group included catcher Derek Berg, infielders Nick Cimillo, Duce Gourson (Pirates' No. 29 prospect) and Davis Wendzel, left-handed pitchers Nick Dombkowski and Oddanier Mosquedo, and outfielder Ronny Simon.
There are 46 players (45 active) left in MLB camp.
In Johnson’s mind, this spring has been markedly different than his first one in a lot of ways -- and not just when it comes to numbers.
The biggest thing has been staying prepared. To make his point, Johnson referenced a right hamstring injury he suffered back in 2023, when he admitted he didn’t stretch enough and pulled a muscle doing infield work.
It was much different this time around for Johnson, who has paid more attention to keeping his body fresh, as well as simple things like logistics and understanding the rhythm of Spring Training.
(Even during the second of two interviews for this story, Johnson kept it brief because he was on a schedule.)
It’s a heightened focus for Johnson. It comes at a good time, too, as he looks to prove himself with regular at-bats at Triple-A Indianapolis after hitting .272 with a .745 OPS in 119 contests at Double-A Altoona in 2025.
“I’m just staying prepared and doing what I need to do to get on the field,” Johnson said. “I’ve been continuing with the work. I think that’s the most important thing.”
Johnson didn’t tweak much with his left-handed swing. The only adjustment has been varying the types of hacks he might take depending on lefty/righty matchups or the velocity he’s facing.
It’s all indicative of Johnson learning more and growing comfortable.
“In the offseason I put a little more emphasis on working that top hand,” Johnson added. “As a lefty hitter, my bottom hand is a little bit more dominant. So, I wanted to focus more on that top hand.”
Johnson’s MLB debut has been overshadowed some by the Pirates’ offseason and attention surrounding No. 1 prospect Konnor Griffin. But it’s getting close.
The No. 4 overall pick in the 2022 Draft will turn 22 years old in June and made a solid impression on everyone this spring.
“He continues to grow as a person and player and refine his skills,” Pirates manager Don Kelly said. “We’re definitely excited about what he’s been able to do this spring.”