Notice: You are currently viewing a development version of the PerfectGame.org website.
For the live site, please visit www.perfectgame.org
THE WORLD'S LARGEST AND MOST COMPREHENSIVE SCOUTING ORGANIZATION
| 2,031 MLB PLAYERS | 14,466 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
2,031 MLB PLAYERS | 14,466 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
Create Account
Sign in Create Account
Draft  | Story | 6/23/2023

Cam Can Do It

Photo: Cam Johnson (Perfect Game)
As Cam Johnson recalls it, he was seven or eight years old when his father Steve shared an observation as visionary as it was succinct:

“Hey, man, baseball might be your sport.”



Steve Johnson may well have been the first person to posit that his son could be OK at America’s pastime. But he’s definitely not the last. To the contrary, with Major League Baseball’s 2023 amateur draft set to begin on July 9, the Cam Johnson Bandwagon is becoming awfully crowded.

The 18-year-old left-hander is back atop the draftnik conversations thanks to a pair of high-profile mound showings that appear to have greatly assuaged concerns about his pitching elbow. At 6-foot-5 and 240 pounds, the LSU commit Johnson can’t be ignored as long as he’s pitching, and he’s pitching again, following a rest for tendinitis that cut short his senior campaign at IMG Academy.


                                                                                                                                   
Johnson “outshone every pitcher who threw at the (MLB Draft) Combine,” MLB.com’s draft guru Jim Calls wrote this past week from Phoenix. And as MLB’s master statistician Sarah Langs pointed out on Wednesday’s telecast, the 95.9 miles per hour that Johnson’s fastball averaged in his Combine bullpen session would have placed him behind only two major-league southpaws in 2023, the Rays’ Shane McClanahan and the Marlins’ Jesus Lazardo, both of whom stood at a 96.7 average at the time of the Combine. Johnson actually hit 100 mph three times in a game this past season, according to IMG varsity assistant coach/pitching coordinator Steve Frey.

“There’s a reason why he gets comparisons to CC Sabathia,” said T.J. Hose, a former professional pitcher who has coached Johnson since his first year of high school.

Indeed, a veteran talent evaluator who has seen Johnson, speaking on the condition of anonymity, dropped the names of two big-time comparables: Sabathia, selected 20th overall by the Cleveland Indians in the 1998 draft, as well as Brien Taylor, popped first overall by the Yankees in 1991.

“He’s a big horse of a guy, and he’s coordinated,” the evaluator said.

It has required considerable coordination for Johnson to reach this point. His mother Tatia Johnson teamed up with her husband Steve, raising their family in Upper Marlboro, Md., to provide an excellent support system for their son, encouraging him to pursue his passion while not forgetting about his studies (Cam is now a criminology buff). Hose met Johnson during his time at Bishop McNamara High School in Forestville, Md. and helped him refine both his mechanics and his mental approach to pitching; “You want to have your mind think of one thing at a time instead of lots of things at one time,” Johnson said. 

And as Johnson elevated his game in the summer between his sophomore and junior years, excelling on the national circuit, he engaged in conversations with professionals Mason Albright and James Wood about IMG, their alma mater, and decided to transfer there for the fall of 2022. Not only did that pay off on the baseball side, as he put together an 0.78 ERA over six appearances totaling 27 innings, striking out 43 and walking 12 for the team anointed by MaxPreps as the national champions, but living by himself, far from home in Bradenton, Fla., forced Johnson to grow as a person, too.

“No one’s there to wake you up,” Johnson said. “No one’s there to tell you to get your laundry. No one’s there to tell you to do your homework. It’s all on you.”

When Johnson felt something on the outside of his left elbow while pitching against Parkview on April 5, the game lasted only four innings, a 15-0 Ascenders shutout, he was self-aware enough to quickly say something to Frey, who pitched in the major leagues for eight years. Shortly after, the rest of Team Cam, which included his advisor Tom O’Connell, huddled to mull the next step.

“A week later, I started feeling better,” Johnson said. “But we all took precautions and we just decided to shut it down, because I can go out there and just throw and something happens. So we just wanted to make sure everything was OK and everything was just safe to throw again at full intensity. Just build my way back up.”

That buildup included an appointment with legendary orthopedic surgeon James Andrews, who examined Johnson and came away convinced that all was copacetic. 

“It’s real when he gives the thumbs-up,” Johnson said of Andrews.


Johnson looked oh-so real on June 12 in Lakeland, Fla. taking the mound in the Florida Athletic Coaches Association All-Star Baseball Classic in front of roughly 40 representatives from MLB clubs. It marked his first game in over two months, and to add to the challenge, the grounds crew at Henley Field took an inordinately long time to prepare, compelling Johnson to warm up three times before finally toeing the slab. His first inning hit some turbulence, as he gave up a pair of singles, walked another batter and saw his teammates struggle defensively, pushing two runs across, even as he struck out two. He responded to that messy liftoff with a dominant second inning, fanning two more and retiring the third batter on a grounder to short as he showed off a fantastic slider and promising changeup

“I took a deep breath in the dugout after that first inning (and said), ‘Let’s do this, baby. Time to turn it up a notch,’” Johnson said. “And after that, I was just on a roll. Back to my usual self. That slider was the best slider I've had and I've thrown. That changeup, I've been working on that ever since shutting down. It’s a new grip (he picked it up from Hall of Famer Pedro Martinez on a YouTube video) and I think that’s paid off very nicely.”

The Lakeland performance put Johnson back on stage, and the Combine elevated him to center stage. MLB Network analyst Dan O’Dowd, the former Colorado Rockies general manager, commended Johnson for his “physicality,” and O’Dowd’s TV teammate Harold Reynolds called Johnson’s slider “a separator.” Furthermore, Reynolds described Johnson’s frame as “a quick-to-the-big-leagues body. He could be in the big leagues by 20.”

(Concerning his physicality and fitness, credit Johnson for eating well, even while living alone. As he said: “I used to eat pizza. Now I have salmon. Instead of brownie bites, eat an apple. Just better habits, basically.” Many of us, even if we’re not aspiring to play a professional sport, can learn from him.)

“The sky’s the ceiling on this kid,” Frey said. It’s just a matter of Johnson’s preferred travel method, either going next to LSU and head coach Jay Johnson or signing with the MLB club that chooses him.

“It’s going to be a tough decision come that day,” Johnson said, looking ahead to the draft. “At the end of the day, it’s my decision. It’s my future. I think there's going to be a lot of stuff that’s going to be on my mind during that time but I know I have a team behind me that'll make those decisions and we’re going to think it through thoroughly and hope for the best.”

Steve Johnson called it: Baseball definitely is his son’s sport. So much so that the sport, it sure seems, is ready to bet heavily on Cam Johnson’s future.

-Ken Davidoff
Give us your feedback
Draft | Mock Draft | 7/9/2023

Draft Night Mock: V 5.0
Brian Sakowski
Article Image
Round 1 1, Pittsburgh Pirates: Max Clark, OF, Franklin Community HS (Ind.) 2. Washington Nationals: Paul Skenes, RHP, LSU 3. Detroit Tigers: Dylan Crews, OF, LSU 4. Texas Rangers: Wyatt Langford, OF, Florida 5. Minnesota Twins: Walker Jenkins, OF, South Brunswick HS (N.C.) 6. Oakland Athletics: Brayden Taylor, 3B, TCU 7. Cincinnati Reds: Rhett Lowder, RHP, Wake Forest 8. Kansas City Royals: Kyle Teel, C, Virginia 9. Colorado Rockies: Chase Dollander, RHP, Tennessee 10. Miami Marlins: Matt Shaw, 2B/3B, Maryland 11. Los Angeles Angels: Hurston Waldrep, RHP, Florida 12. Arizona Diamondbacks: Enrique Bradfield Jr., CF, Vanderbilt 13. Chicago Cubs: Jacob Gonzalez, SS, Ole Miss 14. Boston Red Sox: Aidan Miller, 3B, JW Mitchell HS (Fla.) 15. Chicago White Sox: Arjun Nimmala, SS, Strawberry Crest HS (Fla.) 16. San Francisco Giants: Tommy Troy, 2B/3B, Stanford 17. Baltimore Orioles: Colt Emerson,...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 9/27/2023

Midwest Invitational Scout Notes

Tyler Kotila
Article Image
Creighton Tuzzio (2024, Clarinda, Iowa) took the ball in the semi-final game and was able to get on the bump and carve for his team. Tuzzio is a taller 6-foot-6, 210-pound frame with plenty to like in the operation. The right-handed pitcher has a slower and more controlled operation as he works through the delivery. He lifts the leg up around the belt and then works through a three-quarters release with good whip through it. The fastball worked up to 86 mph on the fastball and held in the low- to mid-80s. He creates some angle on it with the taller & projectable frame. It runs arm-side and can be a problem for right-handed hitters. He also showed a low-70s curveball with a bigger 11/5 tilt to it and good depth to miss some bats. The Iowa Western commit threw 5.0 innings, allowing just 1 run, with 4 walks and 6 strikeouts to his credit.   There’s no surprise here, but...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 9/26/2023

WWBA World Championship Pool Preview

Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
Pool A Team Top Pos. Player RK Class Top Pitcher RK Class Location Boston Red Sox Scout Connor Lane 500 2024 Tague Davis 59 2024 Boston, MA Cangelosi Sparks Tyler Bell  122 2024 Brady Chambers 500 2024 Lockport, IL Dirtbags National 2024 Dalton Wentz 74 2024 Riley Leatherman 251 2024 Sedalia, NC Florida Burn Colton Schwarz 214 2025 Presley Woodson 500 2025 Sarasota, FL Projected Pool Winner: Dirtbags National 2024 With one of the deepest and most physical lineups in the nation, the Dirtbags National 2024 club have been putting up runs in bunches. No hitter is hotter than Austin Irby, as the ECU commit is While sluggers Dalton Wentz, Will Craddock and Palmer Hornick won’t be in attendance, Lee Sowers, Will Brooks, Jon Young Jr. and spark plug Carter Richardson lead an offense that averages over 7 runs per game. They can cover ground on...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 9/26/2023

Coastal Soph. Fall Invite Scout Notes

Todd Coffey
Article Image
Michael Flores (2026, NC) looking great through 4 innings pitched with 11 k’s. Great command and completely missing barrels. #2023WWBACoastalSophmoreFallInvatational pic.twitter.com/Oqd3WD0E05 — PG Coastal Scouting (@PG_Coastal) September 24, 2023 Michael Flores (2026, Mooresville, NC) put on an electric performance to watch for the SBA Futures 2026 in their matchup versus the Carolina Reds. The 5-foot-10, 175-pound, RHP did his job for his team today to keep them in the game. Flores throws with a high leg lift and creates some good motions towards the plate with his whippy action. Flores has a great feel for the zone and pounded strikes at a 66% rate. Flores generated swing and miss after swing and miss and it was clear he was in control out there on the mound. He sat in the 70-mph range to 79-mph range with his fastball with the ability to pinpoint it wherever he pleased....
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 9/26/2023

Fall Frenzy Scout Notes

Jason Phillips
Article Image
James Sherry (’26, Aiken, S.C.)- the 6-foot-1, 155-pound right-handed pitcher tossed a complete game for Xtreme Xposure Baseball-Bennett in an 8-1 win over 2 Way Athletics 16U. A primary outfielder, Sherry finished with 15 strikeouts and just one walk while controlling the zone at a 65% strike rate. Appearing in only his second PG tournament, Sherry turned in another great pitching performance after being selected to the All-Tournament Team at the 2023 16U PG Southeast Labor Day Classic. Aidan Petrocco (‘24 GA)- singles here into LF to load the bases for @643DPAthletics Primary MIF 2-for-4 w/ run scored on the day. #FallFrenzy @PG_Uncommitted pic.twitter.com/Ly7zEuRwyg — Perfect Game Georgia (@PG_Georgia) September 24, 2023 Aidan Petrocco (’24, Johns Creek, Ga.)- the 5-foot-9, 160-pound right-handed hitter for 643 DP Cougars 18U led the 18U Southeast Fall Frenzy...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 9/27/2023

Sophomore WWBA Scout Notes: Day 3-5

Kyler Peterson
Article Image
A high speed look at this 2B from Keon Johnson... #WWBAWorlds @PG_Georgia https://t.co/Ejl8GirIgk pic.twitter.com/ate7ro35cp — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) September 24, 2023 Keon Johnson (2026, Macon, Ga.) started off the morning loud, going down to get a pitch down and smoking a double that split the opposite field gap at a 92 mph exit velocity. The shortstop has one of the best hit tools in the class and has tremendous feel for the barrel. The swing is quiet and simple, staying loose through the zone. The ball jumps and the parts really work. At short, Johnson looked silky with good actions, range, and plenty of arm strength across. The game comes easy for the Georgia native, and still just 15, the all-around game is very well-refined for the age.  Jaxson Wood (2026, Hoover, Ala.) finished batting .500 over the tournament, including three extra-base hits. The primary...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 9/25/2023

Deep South Fall Invitational Scout Notes

Alex Dorso
Article Image
Patrick Kovacs (2026 Knoxville TN) was dominant in his outing in game two of pool play for Exposure National. The southpaw tossed three scoreless innings allowing two hits while striking out eight. He showed plus command of the fastball dotting it to both sides of the plate while working off the corners at times. Patrick sat 75-78 topping at 79 multiple times throughout. He mixed in a tight breaking ball with two plane movement that he had no problem mixing in any count keeping the opposing hitters off balanced in the box. Coming from a mid 3/4s slot there was some deception within the operation making it tough to pick the fastball up out of the hand. The frame has plenty of athleticism within with plenty of more room for additional strength as he continues to mature. Kovacs should be a fun follow as he continues to progress through high school. Ryan Riojas (‘26 TN) drives this...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 9/24/2023

Sophomore WWBA Scout Notes: Day 3

Troy Sutherland
Article Image
Sophomore WWBA Scout Notes: Days 1-2 Extended look at Gunnar Garrison... 7 IP, 1 H, OER, 13 K, 1 BB (70% K) #WWBAWorlds @PG_FourCorners https://t.co/V89oASpD8r pic.twitter.com/tsP1mWCoNz — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) September 21, 2023 Colorado right-hander Gunnar Garrison (2026, Eaton, Colo.) was magnificent in his start for Slammers Anderson 2026’s. The big and physical 6-foot-4, 210-pound arm threw a complete game, seven inning, one-hit shutout, striking out 13 and walking one. The fastball had downhill life to it, sitting in the 85-88 range for the entirety of the game. Garrison held the velocity and reached back for his fastest bullet of the game, at 89, in the seventh inning. Finishing the outing with 70% strikes, he filled up the zone and went right at hitters. He also induced swing-and-miss on a curveball, featuring late...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 9/22/2023

Northeast Qualifier Scout Notes

John McAdams
Article Image
Jack Harley (2024, Mendham, NJ) put together a dominant performance at the plate in the WWBA NEQ, leading his team to a coveted Jupiter bid while also earning MVP-honors. The 6-foot-1 left-handed hitter showcased his advanced bat-to-ball skills on several occasions. He batted .643 with two doubles, a home run and six stolen bases. Harley utilizes a repeatable, synced-up stroke with clean separation into launch. He has a great feel for the barrel and creates good strength at impact to all parts of the diamond. The future Hokie recorded a hit in all six of his games and proved to be a reliable bat at the top-of-the-order for Clubhouse 2024 EvoShield. Harley’s build offers a good balance of strength and athleticism, making him a well-rounded prospect with intriguing upside moving forward.  .#VandyBoys commit Aiden O’Connell (‘24, NH) is back on the bump in the #NEQ...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 9/23/2023

Sophomore WWBA Scout Notes: Days 1-2

Vincent Cervino
Article Image
Nathan Caldwell (2026, Columbia, S.C.) looked the part in the batter’s box as the Team Elite three-hole hitter had one of the hardest hit balls of the day. There’s really impressive bat speed and the ability to create violence and rotational acceleration through contact. He missiled a single during the game and there looks like there’s going to be pretty significant impact potential long term. He’s a strong kid with good indicators and offensive tools to like. Drew Borkowski (2026, Huntley, Ill.) showed plenty to like in the arm as he got the start in game one on the day for GRB. At 6-foot-1, 170-pounds he’s got a lanky frame with long limbs and plenty of room for physical projection. It’s a quick arm with solid arm speed throughout and he opened up sitting 85-87 mph with the fastball. The fastball showed good sinking life and he used it to get a lot...
Read More
College | Story | 9/22/2023

Cape Cod Top 2025 Prospect List

Vincent Cervino
Article Image
Earlier this week we debuted our Cape Cod Top 100 Prospect List and mixed amongst the 100 names were some 2025 graduates who will be eligible for the upcoming 2024 MLB Draft. Below, each of the 50 names are eligible in 2025 and those listed with an "^" are continuing their careers at a new school this fall.  Name Pos. Team School Hometown State Adonys Guzman^ C Bourne Arizona Valley Cottage NY Aidan Jimenez RHP Chatham Oregon State Elk Grove CA Anthony Martinez 1B YD UC Irvine Fairfield CA Ben Jacobs LHP Bourne UCLA Huntington Beach CA Bradley Hodges LHP Hyannis Virginia Fleming Island FL Brady Neal C YD LSU Tallahassee FL Brody Donay^ C/1B Hyannis Florida Lakeland FL Caden Bodine C Bourne Coastal Carolina Haddon Heights NJ Cam Leiter^ RHP Orleans Florida State Island Heights FL Cannon Peebles^ C Cotuit Tennessee Mechanicsville VA Drew Faurot^ SS Orleans Florida State Tallahassee FL...
Read More
Loading more articles...
About Perfect Game :: Contact us :: Terms of Use :: Privacy Policy :: Testimonials :: Job Opportunities
Copyright 1994-2025 by Perfect Game. All rights reserved. No portion of this information may be reprinted or reproduced without the written consent of Perfect Game.