On this edition of the Pirates Prospect Update series, we take a look at the work that Konnor Griffin has been doing this season and the success that has followed.
Griffin was picked ninth overall in the 2024 draft, foregoing his original plans to attend LSU out of high school when the Pirates called his name. He was the first non-college player to be taken that year, and he may have the best tools out of any player in the class. His 6’4” 225 pound frame makes him one of the most naturally athletically gifted players in Pittsburgh’s farm system.
2024 saw Griffin get some work in with the FCL Pirates in August, but this year he was activated by Bradenton following Spring Training. With Bradenton, he has been on an absolute tear all year. On the season, he is hitting .318/.363/.898 tallying 50 hits, 8 home-runs, and 17 stolen bases. Defensively, he has also been incredible to watch, seeing time at both short stop and centerfield with nothing but positive results. His incredible speed and reach has aided in him developing further as a defender in his first season of professional baseball.
Just in May alone Griffin is raking! During the month of may he has a batting average of .386, with 27 hits, 2 homers, 6 stolen bases, and a .934 OPS. During this span, he also had a nine-game hitting streak. He currently has more games where he’s record multiple hits versus no hits.
Given that this is only his first season of professional baseball, there is still a lot of steps to take before Griffin sees Major League action, with a big league ETA of 2028. That being said though, it may already be clear that Griffin has the ability to be a future star of a franchise. He has been a step ahead of the competition all season, and I don’t think it’s unreasonable to think that he’ll see a promotion to High-A Greensboro before season’s end, especially with the way he’s playing as of late.
Konnor Griffin is the Pirates’ number two rated prospect and is listed as baseball’s 37th overall.