Troy Johnston -- General News

Troy Johnston, 28, claimed off waivers by Colorado in November, is fighting for a roster spot with the Rockies during spring training in Scottsdale. The left-handed outfielder/first baseman is competing against trade acquisition TJ Rumfield and versatile infielder Edouard Julien for playing time in a clubhouse rebuilding after a 119-loss 2024 season. After a slow start to spring, Johnston has found success, posting a .324 average through Thursday. He attributes his improved performance to a simplified mental approach focused on controllable factors.

Johnston made his MLB debut in July 2025 with Miami after being named the Marlins' Minor League Player of the Year in 2023, following six seasons refining his craft at first base after beginning his career as an outfielder. Recently, he declined a preliminary roster invitation for Team Israel in the World Baseball Classic, choosing instead to stay in Scottsdale and prioritize his competition with the Rockies. Johnston emphasizes the importance of being a reliable teammate, recognizing that many roster decisions remain outside his control.

Beyond baseball, Johnston co-hosts the podcast "Turn 2 with Scott & Troy" with Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp broadcaster Scott Kornberg. The show explores the behind-the-scenes realities of professional baseball, highlighting unexpected challenges players encounter throughout their careers, such as Columbia University's graduation swim test requirement that affected Mariners pitcher Josh Simpson. Through this platform, Johnston works to humanize players and bridge the gap between fan perception and player experience.

The Colorado Rockies claimed Troy Johnston off waivers from the Miami Marlins on November 5, 2025, in what initially appeared to be an insignificant move during the team's early rebuild phase. Johnston's value became apparent during spring training, where his left-handed bat in a right-heavy lineup, positional versatility (first base and outfield), and strong early performance earned him a roster spot heading into the regular season.

Through early April 2026, Johnston has posted promising numbers across 50 plate appearances, slashing .283/.327/.478 with a 114 wRC+ while playing roughly equal time at first base and in the outfield. In an interview, Johnston acknowledged the adjustment challenges of relocating to Colorado, particularly regarding weather, travel, and facing new opponents. However, he expressed confidence in his ability to adapt, stating, 'It's still baseball. You've still got to hit the ball, still got to have a good approach, still got to be athletic, still got to scout and do all this kind of stuff.'

Johnston emphasized the importance of daily preparation tailored to specific goals and the value of not pressing at the plate. A professional player since being drafted in 2019, Johnston credits his experience and relaxed approach to putting the ball in play and allowing positive results to develop naturally.

The Colorado Rockies defeated the Philadelphia Phillies 9-7 in 11 innings on Friday night. Troy Johnston, a pinch-hitter, doubled home automatic runner Willi Castro in the 11th inning, and Jake McCarthy followed with a single to plate Johnston with the decisive run. Juan Mejia closed out the game for the Rockies, recording his second save.

The Rockies built an early lead behind a dominant fourth inning in which they scored five runs off Phillies starter Jesus Luzardo without recording an out. Hunter Goodman led the charge with four hits including a two-run homer, while Kyle Karros added a two-run double. The Phillies mounted a comeback, with Kyle Schwarber hitting a solo homer in the sixth and rookie Justin Crawford launching a two-run shot in the eighth to tie the game at 7-7.

Rockies starter Chase Dollander was effective through five innings, allowing just one hit before surrendering Schwarber's two-run blast in the sixth. The Phillies added additional runs in the eighth when Brandon Marsh singled home a run and Bryson Stott lined a two-run double to narrow the deficit to 7-5 before Colorado prevailed in extra innings.

The teams continue their series on Saturday with Kyle Freeland (1-3, 5.04 ERA) opposing Aaron Nola (2-3, 5.06 ERA).

The Colorado Rockies defeated the Philadelphia Phillies 9-7 in 11 innings on Friday night in Philadelphia. Troy Johnston, entering the game as a pinch-hitter, delivered the decisive blow with a double that scored automatic runner Willi Castro in the 11th inning. Jake McCarthy added to the scoring with a single that brought Johnston home. The victory came down to late-inning execution as Colorado capitalized on the new extra-inning format that places a runner on second base to start the frame.