Konnor Griffin of the Pittsburgh Pirates continues to live up to his expectations as MLB’s top prospect. Griffin followed two homers against the Boston Red Sox on Thursday with a homer against the Cardinals on Sunday.
The 19-year-old told reporters after the match that he was starting to feel more comfortable. Griffin has a .214 batting average this spring.
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“I felt really comfortable,” Griffin said. “I’m really trying to be there, taking each game one game at a time. I like where I’m at right now, but I still have to keep working and get ready to go again tomorrow.”
Griffin learns quickly. After reclassifying a year to challenge himself in high school, he was selected 9th overall in the 2024 draft out of Jackson Preparatory School in Mississippi. Last year, he spent time in Low-A, High-A and Double-A. Griffin finished with lines of 338/.396/.536 in Low-A, .325/.432/.510 in High-A and .337/.418/.542 in Double-A.
Griffin is expected to start the season in Double-A, where he played in just 21 games last season. At 6-foot-3 and 222 pounds, Griffin has high expectations. The Athletic’s Keith Law called Griffin the most exciting prospect in the minors since Mike Trout and ESPN’s Jeff Passan called her the next teenage superstar.
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Despite the comparisons and the Pirates’ instant success with young superstar pitcher Paul Skenes, manager Don Kelly attempted to lower expectations for Griffin.
“We have to keep in mind that he’s 19,” Kelly told reporters. “It’s about continuing to push him, allowing him to be himself and play freely.”
With limited options for a sure-fire bat in the Pirates’ offense, Griffin could be called up to the major league roster at some point this season.
