| Player: Hayden Johnson | |||||||||||
| School: Coastal Carolina | Position(s): LHP | ||||||||||
| Height: 6’5″ | Weight: 215 lbs. | Bats: Left | Throws: Left | ||||||||
| Summary: Johnson was a key arm out of the bullpen for Coastal Carolina’s run to the CWS final a season ago, but now he looks to prove himself as a starter. The deception stands out immediately, creating uncomfortable looks from his slot and getting more out of the fastball than the radar gun suggests. He attacks the zone confidently, elevates with intent, and generates late life at the top of the rail that leads to empty swings. That heater sets up a low-80s breaking ball that shows true hammer shape at times, tunneling well off the fastball before diving late. The competitiveness and tempo on the mound fit a pitcher who isn’t afraid to challenge hitters and work ahead. The profile is trending toward a starter as he continues to build out the arsenal. Additional looks — whether a cutter or changeup — are still coming, but the foundation of fastball shape, a bat-missing breaker, and strike-throwing gives him a clear path to rotation usage. Spring role expansion and consistency landing secondaries will determine how quickly that transition sticks. If the command holds as the workload increases, there’s real momentum here for a lefty who could climb faster than expected | |||||||||||
Shaun Kernahan is the founder and lead writer of Three Quarter Slot, where he blends scouting precision with a storyteller’s eye for the human side of the game. Based in Parker, Colorado, he has covered baseball prospects at every level since 2013, delivering in-depth evaluations, draft analysis, and developmental insight. Over the years, he has built Three Quarter Slot into a trusted home for thoughtful prospect coverage, detailed scouting reports, and a grounded look at how talent evolves