Johnson becomes the 32nd Grizzlies player signed by a Major League organization and the 12th since manager Phil Warren took over. He’s also the second player signed this week after Michael Massi went to the St. Louis Cardinals organization on Thursday.
“Jonathan is very deserving of this opportunity and we’re thrilled for him,” Warren stated. “He has been a huge part of our team the last three seasons. He’s one of the best second baseman we’ve ever had here. We wish him the best.”
Johnson, 25, was in the midst of his third season with the Grizzlies when his contract was purchased early Saturday. The former Loyola Marymount star was batting .269 in 2014 and was among the league leaders in runs, walks and stolen bases.
Johnson was an instrumental part of the Grizzlies success in 2012 and 2013. In those two years, Johnson played in 191 of the team’s 192 games. He set a new team record in 2013, appearing in all 96 games. The 5-9 170-pound left-handed batter had 42 combined stolen bases the past two seasons.
He batted .295 with 26 extra base hits in 2012. The Lakewood, CA played in 95 games and his 65 game on-base streak to start the season set a Frontier League record.
Johnson will report to Single-A Savannah in the Mets organization.
