Scouting grades 20–80
40Hit
60Power
50Run
50Field
60Arm
Johnston was a highly ranked recruit out of high school, a guy who immediately stepped into a starting role with the Vanderbilt Commodores as a freshman. It's a lightning quick bat through the zone with exit velocities and batted ball data that is sure to light up models. Johnston has a pull-heavy approach with a solid understanding of how the backspin the baseball. For now it's likely above-average game power at the next level.
Johnston has had his fair share of whiff/chase issues dating back to his high school days. It will likely be something teams monitor closely leading up to draft day given what the toolset looks like. Johnston still took promising steps forward in both the contact and swing decisions departments in 2026 even while running a high swing rate. He is a solid-average defender at third base with a plus arm across.
