Pirates’ 2024 First-Rounder Konnor Griffin Flashes Potential With Huge Game

The Pittsburgh Pirates made prep infielder/outfielder Konnor Griffin the ninth pick in the 2024 draft.

When the Pirates turned in their draft card with Griffin’s name on it, he became the first high school player selected.

Though Griffin slid all the way to No. 9, he possessed some of the best tools of anyone in last year’s class.

Griffin is still only 18 year’s old, but he already has a sturdy 6-foot-4, 225-pound frame. He’s also considered an excellent athlete with good speed and the ability to play two premium positions in shortstop and center field. Additionally, the native of Flowood, Mississippi, Griffin has huge raw power and a strong arm.

All the tools were on display for the Bradenton Marauders on Friday night in their 8-5 win over the Palm Beach Cardinals.

With two outs in the bottom of the fifth inning Griffin hit an opposite-field triple to drive in a pair. His power and speed were in full force on the three-bagger.

See for yourself! https://t.co/gKctTFjoio pic.twitter.com/C51BFK8UIY

— Bradenton Marauders (@The_Marauders) April 12, 2025

Then in the top of the seventh inning, Griffin showed what he’s capable of on defense.

Manning shortstop for the Marauders on Friday, Griffin had to slide to retrieve a grounder on the other side of the second base bag. He quickly bounced to his feet and delivered a rocket to first base for the out.

🚨Web Gem Alert 🚨

@KonnorGriffin22 flashes the leather and keeps the game tied !@GoPBCardinals – 5
Marauders – 5 #ItallbeginsinBradenton ⚾️ pic.twitter.com/6TNppJBPvx

— Bradenton Marauders (@The_Marauders) April 12, 2025

And finally, in the bottom of the eighth inning, Griffin launched his first professional home run in a huge spot.

The score was knotted up at 5-all and Griffin hammered a belt-high fastball over the fence in left field. That’s once way to cap off a pretty good night at the office.

HAVE A NIGHT @KonnorGriffin22 !

His first professional homerun gives the Marauders a two run lead! #ItallbeginsBradenton ⚾️🏴‍☠️ pic.twitter.com/ObboZHyFDe

— Bradenton Marauders (@The_Marauders) April 12, 2025

Through the first seven games of his professional career, Griffin is slashing .231/.364/.423 with a triple, a home run, four stolen bases and four walks. The strikeouts will have to come down (36% K-rate), but the Pirates’ most recent first-rounder already looks the part.