Hobbs Johnson

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Milwaukee Brewers #26 prospect in 2016
  The Brewers felt good about the progress Johnson made in 2014 at high Class A Brevard County, where he was one of the more productive starters in the Florida State League. He improved his secondary pitches and showed great command of his sinker. More of the same was expected when Johnson moved up to Double-A Biloxi in 2015, but he experienced control issues and had trouble making adjustments. When he did throw strikes, Johnson controlled hitters (.219 opponent average), but his walk rate rose alarmingly from 2.6 to 5.9 per nine innings. Without fastball command, Johnson struggles because his curveball can be spotty, and it diminishes what usually is an effective changeup. Expect Johnson to return to Biloxi in 2016 to try to get back on track. The Brewers like his bulldog approach and mental toughness on the mound, but without a reliable second pitch he could be destined for the bullpen.
• 
  Ranked Milwaukee Brewers #23 prospect in 2015
  The Brewers really liked what they saw out of Johnson in 2014. They challenged him to work on his offspeed pitches, and he did so to become a more complete pitcher. He doesn't overpower batters, throwing his fastball in the 88-91 mph range, but he is aggressive and attacks hitters with no fear, pitching ahead in the count with consistency. Johnson's fastball has good sink and he makes a living inducing hitters to beat the ball into the ground. He throws a curve that needs more consistency, but his changeup is above-average and a prime weapon against righthanders. Because of his advanced pitchability and improved command, Johnson could move quickly. The Brewers like his bulldog approach and the way he pitches with confidence, and plan to keep him as a starter for now, but long term he is more likely a reliever. Johnson is a grinder with mental toughness and should jump to Double-A Biloxi in 2015.

Draft Prospects

• Ranked #332 prospect in 2013 draft
  Johnson came to North Carolina from Rocky Mount (N.C.) High, where he was prep teammates with fellow Tar Heel Benton Moss and Nationals outfielder Brian Goodwin, who played one season in Chapel Hill before transferring to junior college. Johnson doesn't have the same tools as those guys and is just 5-foot-11, 210 pounds, but he has a strong track record pitching on one of the best college staffs in the country. He was 4-0, 2.18 with 58 strikeouts and no home runs allowed through the regular season. His fastball ranges from 86-92 mph and he can sit 90-91 at times. He also throws a good changeup, average slider and fringy curveball. He'll need to tighten up his command and had walked 38 in 66 innings this spring.

• December, 2014 Scouting Report
  The Brewers really liked what they saw out of Johnson in 2014. They challenged him to work on his offspeed pitches, and he did so to become a more complete pitcher. He doesn't overpower batters, throwing his fastball in the 88-91 mph range, but he is aggressive and attacks hitters with no fear, pitching ahead in the count with consistency. Johnson's fastball has good sink and he makes a living inducing hitters to beat the ball into the ground. He throws a curve that needs more consistency, but his changeup is above-average and a prime weapon against righthanders. Because of his advanced pitchability and improved command, Johnson could move quickly. The Brewers like his bulldog approach and the way he pitches with confidence, and plan to keep him as a starter for now, but long term he is more likely a reliever. Johnson is a grinder with mental toughness and should jump to Double-A Biloxi in 2015.