Pittsburgh Pirates’ Konnor Griffin continues to live up to the billing as the MLB’s top prospect. Griffin followed up two home runs against the Boston Red Sox on Thursday with a home run against the Cardinals on Sunday.
The 19-year-old told reporters after the game that he is starting to feel more comfortable. Griffin has a .214 batting average this spring.
“I felt really comfortable,” Griffin said. “I’m really working on just being present, taking each game one game at a time. I’m enjoying where I’m at right now, but still got to continue to work and get ready to go tomorrow again.”
Griffin is a quick learner. After reclassifying a year to challenge himself in high school, he was selected with the No. 9 pick 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 splits 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 only played 21 games last season. At 6-foot-3, 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 him the next teenage superstar.
Despite the comparisons and the Pirates’ instant success with young superstar pitcher Paul Skenes, manager Don Kelly has tried take pressure off the expectations given to 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 playing free.”
With limited options for a surefire bat in the Pirates’ offense, Griffin could be called up to the major league roster at some point this season.
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