Ryan

Johnson

The move is now official. Johnson, who was selected 74th overall in last year’s MLB Draft, will bypass the minor leagues completely and make the leap directly into Los Angeles’ bullpen. The 22-year-old is talented enough to hold his own in a relief role, but he’s just the second pitcher in the last half-decade to jump to the big leagues without spending any time in the minors.

This qualifies as extremely aggressive, even by Angels standards. Passan adds that Johnson is the first prospect to debut in the majors without spending a single day in the minor league since Garrett Crochet accomplished the feat with the White Sox back in 2020. Johnson was a second-round pick in last year’s draft (74th overall) and didn’t pitch at all in the minors following his selection. The 22-year-old righty figures to operate in long relief situations initially and doesn’t offer much fantasy appeal. However, it’s a fascinating story to watch unfold in Los Angeles.