Trent
Johnson

2nd Team All State: Recovering from Tommy John surgery in 2014, the hulking 6-foot-5, 245-pound Johnson wasn’t able to toe the mound this spring, but he made his presence well known in the middle of the lineup for the Redbirds. Johnson hit .392 on the year, with 28 extra base hits (17 doubles and nine home runs). The power-hitting first baseman formed one of the state’s top 1-2 punches with PBR First Team All-State honoree Ethan Skender. Johnson also posted a team leading 48 RBI, scored 37 runs, walked 17 times, and struck out only eight times (impressive for a power hitter). He posted a .461 on base percentage, a .758 slugging percentage, and a 1.219 OPS. He’ll take his power arm and power bat to the University of Arizona next spring.

4.15.15 - 6-foot-5, 245-pound wide, shouldered, thick lower half, strong right-handed power hitter committed to Arizona, currently ranked No. 21 in Illinois, No. 223 overall. Impresses with power at the plate. Moves well side to side at first for size, legitimate Division-I power hitter, though his upside was supposedly higher on the mound before elbow injury in 2014. He’s one year out from surgery, and may pitch at the end of this season if all goes well in his current bullpen sessions. Went 2-for-3, with a line shot double over the right-fielders head. Hits from a wide base, slightly open stance, short stride, natural lift to swing, short path, powerful stroke. Also singled hard on the ground between third and short.

2/2/14 - Standing at 6-foot-5, 235 pounds, Johnson is physically mature and stands apart from his peers. Primarily a pitcher, the Arizona recruit took part in the positional workouts too, which made for a fun round of batting practice. His short swing, strong lower half and ability to get extended produced some of the best power at the event. He recorded an exit velo of 96. He ran a 7.4-second 60 and is limited to first base, but should be able to handle the position if his future path veers in that direction. For now, his best outlook is on the mound. He pitches with a quick, loose arm from a high three-quarter slot and has a relatively easy delivery. His fastball sat 87-89, touching 90, complementing it with a 77-82 mph changeup that had some sink to it. His slider was 77-79.

5/13/13 - Currently ranked No. 2 in Illinois’ 2015 class; No. 9 overall. Verbally committed to the University of Arizona. Physically advanced 6-foot-4, 235-pound right-hander with remarkably strong lower half.  The top 2015 power arm in Illinois; has potential to be one of the top power arms in the country. For size, his arm is athletic and easy from high ¾ slot. On Monday, his fastball comfortably sat in the 86-88 range for seven innings, touching 91 once. When he wanted more velocity, he easily got it in the later innings.  Changeup showed potential to be a plus pitch. Throws it from same window, same arm action, with heavy arm-side sink. Throws three pitches for strikes and is around the plate with everything. Repeats mechanics well and overall knows how to pitch. Curveball has 11/5 shape, in the 66-68 range. Is 7-1 on the season with 77 Ks in 54 innings and a 1.49 ERA. Also has big power at the plate. Has 10 homers and 9 doubles on season.

Committed to the University of Arizona in December of his sophomore year. ...

Physically advanced 6-foot-4, 235-pound right-hander with remarkably strong lower half.  The top 2015 power arm in Illinois; has potential to be one of the top power arms in the country. For size, his arm is athletic and easy from high ¾ slot. On Monday, his fastball comfortably sat in the 86-88 range for seven innings, touching 91 once. When he wanted more velocity, he easily got it in the later innings.  Changeup showed potential to be a plus pitch. Throws it from same window, same arm action, with heavy arm-side sink. Throws three pitches for strikes and is around the plate with everything. Repeats mechanics well and overall knows how to pitch. Curveball has 11/5 shape, in the 66-68 range.