Pirates Reassign Top Prospect Termarr Johnson in Latest Roster Trim

The Pittsburgh Pirates have reassigned 2022 first-round draft pick Termarr Johnson to minor-league camp. Fellow infield prospect Jack Brannigan also was reassigned in a flurry of roster moves.

Additionally, the Pirates optioned right-handed relief pitcher Colin Selby and outfielder Canaan Smith-Njigba to Triple-A Indianapolis, while infielder Tsung-Che Cheng was sent to Double-A Altoona.

Johnson, who is the Pirates’ second-best prospect according to MLB Pipeline, impressed during his time in major-league spring training. The 19-year-old hit .368 with a 1.166 OPS to go along with a pair of home runs in 14 games. Johnson split last year’s season between Low-A Bradenton and High-A Greensboro.

Brannigan didn’t have the same level of success as his fellow farmhand. In 20 plate appearances, Brannigan had one hit in 17 at-bats, drove in a run and drew three walks.

In Selby’s case, he was one of the arms vying for a spot in the Pirates’ bullpen for opening day. The right-hander struggled to the tune of an 11.25 ERA through four innings pitched. He yielded a pair of home runs, walked four and struck out four.

Smith-Njigba rejoined the organization after a very brief stint with the Seattle Mariners, who claimed him off waivers from the Pirates before Pittsburgh returned the favor. Smith-Njigba slashed .200/.300/.580 with three home runs and five RBIs in 10 games played in the Grapefruit League.

Cheng hit .250 and connected on a pair of home runs across 14 games this spring. The Pirates added Cheng to their 40-man roster in the offseason to protect him from the Rule 5 draft.

The Pirates also announced the signing of left-handed starting pitcher Eric Lauer. Lauer, as expected, received an invitation to major-league spring training.

With the slew of roster moves, there are 50 players remaining in big-league camp for the Pittsburgh Pirates.