Justin Miknis
Justin Miknis
Position: C
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 195 lbs
Bats/Throws: L/R
Born: 02/01/2002
College: Kent State University
How Acquired: Drafted 16th round, 467th Overall, 2023
Bonus: $75,000
40-man Roster: No
Rule 5 Eligible: 2026
Minor League Free Agency: 2028
Options Left: 3
Overview
The Pirates drafted Miknis as a Kent State senior. He played regularly his last three years, putting up similar numbers each year. Overall for the three years he hit 319/405/505, with good walk and strikeout rates. He was named to the conference all-defensive team his last two years.
2023-24
After signing, Miknis got into 11 games for Bradenton, ten at catcher. He hit .152 with little power, although he drew a lot of walks. He threw out three of 19 base stealers. Miknis returned to Bradenton in 2024 in a backup role, although with Omar Alfonzo, Garret Forrester and later Axiel Plaz also on the team, there wasn’t much playing time. Miknis also missed a couple weeks with an injury and spent a total of nearly two months on the development list. He got into 37 games with the Marauders, although he caught in only 15 and otherwise saw time at first and as DH. He hit very little, with a .609 OPS. The Pirates moved Miknis up to Greensboro at the end of the season and he got into two games there.
Stats
Transactions
June 5, 2019: Drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the 35th round, 1038th overall pick.
July 11, 2023: Drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 6th round, 467th overall pick; signed on July 19.