This is one in a series of stories breaking down PBN’s Top 30 Pittsburgh Pirates prospects.
The Pittsburgh Pirates added infielder Jhonny Severino to the system when they acquired him from the division-rival Milwaukee Brewers in a trade for first baseman Carlos Santana leading up to the 2023 trade deadline.
At the time, Severino was a highly-regarded international prospect but one that was largely unproven. A native of the Dominican Republic, Severino signed for a $1.23 million bonus and was the 21st-best international prospect in the 2022 cycle.
Severino began his career later that year in the Dominican Summer League and hit .268 with a .724 OPS, 11 doubles, one triple, three home runs, 25 RBI and 10 steals. He totaled a dozen games in the Arizona Complex League in 2023 prior to getting traded and slugged seven extra-base hits (four home runs) and posted an .872 OPS.
After he was acquired by the Pirates, Severino played in just three games in the Florida Complex League before a hand injury cut his season short.
Severino returned to the field for the 2024 season in the Florida Complex League, where he played 56 games. The right-handed hitter slashed .291/.373/.545 with 12 doubles, three triples, 10 home runs, 41 RBI and 12 stolen bases.
A solid showing promoted a promotion to Low-A Bradenton, where Severino hit six doubles, three triples, six home runs and owned a .785 OPS.
But the 20-year-old took a big step back in 2025. Severino spent the whole season back with the Marauders and slashed a lowly .215/.277/.359 with 24 doubles, two triples, 11 home runs, 49 RBI and 10 steals. Perhaps most alarming, Severino’ strikeout rate jumped to 25.2% while his walk rate dipped to just 6.8%.
Severino still possesses some desired attributes, mainly power potential and a strong arm that plays well from the left side of the infield.
But he’ll need to get back on track at the plate in 2026, especially considering the system is fairly thin on potential impact position players. Maybe starting the season with the hitter-friendly High-A Greensboro Grasshoppers will provide a needed jolt.
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