Scouting Report

Scouting grades: Hit: 45 | Power: 50 | Run: 45 | Arm: 55 | Field: 45 | Overall: 40

Severino was a highly coveted amateur from the Dominican Republic who was right in the middle of MLB Pipeline’s Top 50 international prospects list when the 2022 signing period opened. He received one of two seven-figure bonuses the Brewers handed out (Johan Barrios was the other), getting $1.23 million to join the organization. After his debut in the Dominican Summer League that summer, he had come to the United States to compete in the Arizona Complex League but was on the shelf starting in late June, when he was sent to the Pirates in the Carlos Santana trade. He played a few games in the Florida Complex League before he was shut down with a broken hamate. 

While the Pirates didn’t get to see him in the FCL, they did send him to their Dominican Instructional League, and he was one of the standouts. A switch-hitter when he first signed, he hits only right-handed now and the ball comes off of his bat hot. He makes loud contact and can drive the ball, with the chance for legitimate power as he matures. How much he gets to that pop might depend on if he can refine his approach, which is now a tad on the over-aggressive side. 

Even when he signed, there were questions about whether Severino could stay at shortstop, and he had played only third base with the Brewers in the ACL before he got hurt. He’s gotten more physical and slowed down, so the time for him to play up the middle could be at an end. The good news is, he has the arm and the offensive upside to profile at the hot corner.

Scouting grades: Hit: 45 | Power: 55 | Run: 40 | Arm: 60 | Field: 45 | Overall: 40

Severino was ranked No. 21 on MLB Pipeline’s Top 50 international prospects list when the 2022 international signing period began in January of that year, signing with the Brewers for $1.23 million. He slashed .268/.333/.391 with a 98 wRC+ in his first taste of the Dominican Summer League, and was making his United States debut in the Arizona Complex League as an 18-year-old when he was traded to the Pirates in the Carlos Santana deal close to the Trade Deadline.

Severino is now a right-handed-only hitter -- his dominant side -- after starting out his pro career as a switch-hitter. He was making a lot more contact during his U.S. debut, though he missed a month of the summer before the trade, returning for three games with the Pirates after the deal, then getting shelved again. He returned to play very well at the Pirates’ Dominican Instructional League, already displaying one of the fastest bats in the organization. Should that trend continue, he should be able to tap into his considerable raw power, as he did during his brief ACL time when he was very impressive.

Signed initially as a shortstop, Severino began his pro career at the premium position, but started splitting time between short and third base in 2023. The latter will be his long-term defensive home, as he is a below-average runner with below-average range. He has a reliable glove for the hot corner and more than enough arm for the spot, with the power potential to profile there as well. He should get to see how his offensive gains look in full-season ball in 2024.

Scouting grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 55 | Run: 45 | Arm: 55 | Field: 50 | Overall: 40

Milwaukee made two big infield signings to begin the Jan. 15, 2022, international period. Johan Barrios got the biggest bonus at $1.385 million, and Severino wasn’t too far behind at $1.23 million. Both were originally signed as shortstops, possibly setting up a positional battle as early as the 2022 Dominican Summer League.

Severino already draws praise for his above-average power potential from the right side. He measures in at 6-foot-3, 185 pounds already as a 17-year-old, and he uses that size to drive balls out of the ballpark already. On top of that, he’s a switch-hitter with promise from either side, though he’s perhaps a tad better from his more natural spot on the right at this point. 

The Dominican Republic native might have more to prove to stick at short than Barrios does. Severino projects to be a below-average runner as he ages, and that agility and his frame might profile better at third base. He has the 55-grade arm for the hot corner, and his power profile could help him provide value there as well. Like all international players, Severino will be given ample chances to prove himself on all sides of the ball as he begins his journey through pro ball.

Video scouting report »

Scouting grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 55 | Run: 45 | Arm: 55 | Field: 50 | Overall: 55

Severino is a large-framed infielder who will start his professional career at shortstop, but he could shift to another position, likely third base, as he fills out and gets stronger.

He has enough arm – projected to be above average – to play shortstop or third base. Furthermore, he has soft hands and natural instincts combined with solid defensive actions to be an average defender at either position.

The switch-hitter shows an advanced approach in the box and the potential for above-average power. He can already drive the ball out of the ballpark. He’s been praised for his work ethic and overall makeup. He’s enthusiastic and eager to learn.

Severino trains with Sergio Mitre at the Elite Sports Training Academy in the Dominican Republic. The Brewers are the favorite to sign him.

Awards

FCL Post-Season All-Star

Year	Team
2024

FCL Player of the Week

Week	Team
05/26/2024

DSL Player of the Week

Week	Team
07/03/2022

Transactions

Team	Date	Transaction
	07/30/2024	SS Jhonny Severino assigned to Bradenton Marauders from FCL Pirates.
	03/07/2024	Pittsburgh Pirates Prospects activated SS Jhonny Severino.
	09/30/2023	FCL Pirates activated SS Jhonny Severino from the 7-day injured list.
	08/06/2023	FCL Pirates placed SS Jhonny Severino on the 7-day injured list.
	07/27/2023	Pittsburgh Pirates traded 1B Carlos Santana to Milwaukee Brewers for SS Jhonny Severino.
	07/27/2023	FCL Pirates activated SS Jhonny Severino.
	07/27/2023	SS Jhonny Severino assigned to FCL Pirates.
	06/02/2023	SS Jhonny Severino assigned to ACL Brewers from DSL Brewers 1.
	04/06/2022	SS Jhonny Severino assigned to DSL Brewers1.
	01/15/2022	Milwaukee Brewers signed free agent SS Jhonny Severino to a minor league contract.