Jhonson Pena
Jhonson Pena
Position: OF
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 155 lbs
Bats/Throws: R/R
Born: 08/03/2002
Country: Dominican Republic
How Acquired: International Free Agent, 2019
Bonus: N/A
40-man Roster: No
Rule 5 Eligible: 2024
Minor League Free Agency: 2026
Options Left: 3
Overview
The Pirates signed Pena as a shortstop, but he played mainly third and second in his first couple years. In 2023, the Pirates moved him to the outfield. He’s patient at the plate and draws a lot of walks, but may not hit for power. He has great speed, probably one of the fastest players in the organization, and has usually been an effective base stealer.
2020-23
After missing the pandemic season, Pena made a brief debut in the DSL in 2021, playing mostly third but a little at second. He hit very well, with great plate discipline but no power. The Pirates sent him back there in 2022 and his hitting tailed off, although he started showing some gap power. He drew walks in huge numbers, finishing with a line of 248/415/376. He played third, second and outfield.
2023-24
In the FCL in 2023, the Pirates played Pena exclusively in the outfield, except for 11 innings at second. He played most of the time in center. He had a few misadventures with misjudged fly balls early, but eventually used his speed to become an excellent center fielder. At the plate, he had about the same season as 2022, except his walk rate dropped. He batted 240/357/347. Pena also stole 20 bases in 22 tries. He returned to the FCL in 2024 and had a nearly identical season, batting 246/331/344. He wasn’t as effective on the bases, stealing nine times in 15 tries.
Stats
Transactions
September 13, 2019: Signed by the Pittsburgh Pirates as an international free agent.