Is Pirates 2-Way MLB Prospect Konnor Griffin the Next Shohei Ohtani?
Sportsgrid Staff
Host · Writer
The Pirates May Have Found Their Next Superstar
Clearly, the Pirates lacked offensive firepower beyond a few prospects entering 2024, but that narrative could shift quickly if Konnor Griffin keeps trending upward. His spring performance, revamped mechanics, and elite physical tools have turned heads and made believers out of skeptics. If everything continues progressing at this pace, Griffin could become the face of the franchise before long. Pittsburgh might not have gotten the “fast-track bat” some expected, but they may have something even better—a long-term superstar in the making.
For all your MLB deep dives check out our friends at Just Baseball.
Konnor Griffin: Draft Day Surprise Becomes Long-Term Win
With the No. 9 pick in the 2024 MLB Draft, the Pittsburgh Pirates surprised many by selecting Konnor Griffin, a high school two-way star, instead of a polished college hitter. At the time, the decision raised eyebrows—especially given the team's lack of top-tier offensive prospects beyond Termarr Johnson. But Griffin’s upside, physical tools, and athletic makeup clearly stood out to Pittsburgh’s front office. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 225 pounds, Griffin’s rare size and skillset made him too intriguing to pass up. Since then, he’s added muscle, reworked his game, and shown a clear commitment to development, rewarding the Pirates’ gamble.
Thanks to Just Baseball for the stats, analysis and insights for this slideshow article.
Griffin’s Five-Tool Foundation
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Griffin entered the draft with one of the highest athletic ceilings in years. He carried a 70-grade run tool—an elite marker—thanks to long, powerful strides that make him explosive on the basepaths and in the field. His range in center field is already notable, and he projects to become a defensive weapon, possibly earning a 70-grade glove in the future. At the plate, his raw power is developing into game power, trending toward a 60 grade. That mix of elite speed, growing strength, and defensive versatility gives him a chance to be a legitimate five-tool player—something rare in today’s game, especially at just 18 years old.
Spring Training Standout
During spring training with the big league club, Griffin looked anything but overmatched. He carried himself like a pro and flashed all the tools that made him a top-10 pick. His swing was notably quicker and more explosive than his senior year at Jackson Prep. Scouts were impressed with how well he adjusted to higher-level pitching, and his approach at the plate appeared far more mature than expected. While the sample size was small, it was enough to leave a strong impression and signal that Griffin might be ahead of schedule in his development.
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A New Swing, A New Player
One of the most exciting changes to Griffin’s game came from his offseason work on his swing. He lowered his hand placement, improved his load, and began using his lower half far more effectively. The result? It is a much more fluid, powerful swing capable of consistently driving the ball. He also shortened his stride and minimized overreaching, which had previously caused timing issues. His bat stays in the zone longer and finishes with authority. The video evidence this spring confirmed what many were hearing—Griffin’s revamped mechanics could unlock massive offensive upside.
Unlocking Griffin’s Full Potential
What makes Griffin so exciting isn’t just what he’s done but what he could become. His current physical profile—6'4", 225 lbs—resembles a future middle-of-the-order bat with plus speed. If his hit tool continues to develop alongside his already evident power and speed, we could be looking at a future 30/30 threat. There’s also serious Gold Glove potential in center field, where his elite range makes him a natural fit. The Pirates may initially explore him at shortstop, but center may be where his true value lies. Either way, Pittsburgh’s decision to bet on projection and tools may pay off significantly.
The Pirates May Have Found Their Next Superstar
Clearly, the Pirates lacked offensive firepower beyond a few prospects entering 2024, but that narrative could shift quickly if Konnor Griffin keeps trending upward. His spring performance, revamped mechanics, and elite physical tools have turned heads and made believers out of skeptics. If everything continues progressing at this pace, Griffin could become the face of the franchise before long. Pittsburgh might not have gotten the “fast-track bat” some expected, but they may have something even better—a long-term superstar in the making.
For all your MLB deep dives check out our friends at Just Baseball.
Konnor Griffin: Draft Day Surprise Becomes Long-Term Win
With the No. 9 pick in the 2024 MLB Draft, the Pittsburgh Pirates surprised many by selecting Konnor Griffin, a high school two-way star, instead of a polished college hitter. At the time, the decision raised eyebrows—especially given the team's lack of top-tier offensive prospects beyond Termarr Johnson. But Griffin’s upside, physical tools, and athletic makeup clearly stood out to Pittsburgh’s front office. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 225 pounds, Griffin’s rare size and skillset made him too intriguing to pass up. Since then, he’s added muscle, reworked his game, and shown a clear commitment to development, rewarding the Pirates’ gamble.
Thanks to Just Baseball for the stats, analysis and insights for this slideshow article.
