Most 19-Year-Olds Aren’t Like Konnor Griffin; Most Prospects Aren’t Either
PITTSBURGH — Spend any time around Konnor Griffin or listen to him talk for even a short while. You’d never guess he was still a teenager.
Whereas most people his age would be worried about an upcoming college exam or even more worried about where a Friday night party will be, Griffin got married this offseason.
Then look at Griffin on the field. Physically, you’d never think he couldn’t yet have a legal alcoholic beverage. Watch him play one game and you’d never guess he was about to become the first position player to debut as a teenager since Juan Soto in 2018.
Not even two years after he was drafted ninth overall out of high school, Griffin was called up by the Pittsburgh Pirates and will make his MLB debut in the home opener against the Baltimore Orioles at PNC Park on Friday at shortstop and batting seventh in the lineup.
“I was sitting here about a year and a half ago, two years after I got drafted, and was talking about how cool it would be to play on the field and now I get to do it,” Griffin said during a press conference ahead of his debut. “I’m super excited.”
Griffin’s debut is highly anticipated. While most first-round draft picks start their professional careers with high expectations, Griffin’s status has soared even higher in a short amount of time.
After a sensational first year in the minor leagues in which Griffin climbed from Low-A Bradenton to Double-A Altoona, he established himself as the consensus top prospect in baseball thanks to his performance and five-tool potential.
A lot has been thrown at in a short amount of time, and his rise to the big leagues has been faster than anyone would have expected, but the Pirates feel Griffin is up for the challenge.
“It’s been an amazing journey,” he said. “I feel like I’ve grown so much as a player and as a person. Just being able to take it all in. I’m glad I’m here today. I feel super ready for this moment.”
Griffin had a chance to make the club’s Opening Day roster out of spring training, but after a somewhat rocky showing, the Pirates chose to send him to Triple-A Indianapolis.
After five games in which Griffin totaled seven hits, scored four runs and stole three bases, the Pirates see Griffin take his place on the third base line during pregame ceremonies before trotting out to shortstop.
“For a 19-year-old kid to make adjustments the way he does, at the end of spring, it looked like he was pressing, just trying to do too much,” manager Don Kelly explained. “For him to be able to go back down and do exactly what he said – have fun playing baseball – he was squaring the baseball up, getting back to basics and did a really great job down there.”
While Griffin’s talent is off the charts, his mentality might be what truly sets him apart. The same levelheadedness that he’s shown since his introductory press conference after being drafted still remains hours before he steps onto the field at PNC Park for the first time.
“Just be me,” Griffin said when asked what his expectations are. “Kind of go out there and just try to win every pitch. That’s my goal. It was the same game I was playing in the minor leagues, same game here. I’m just going to be competing, playing as hard as I can. That hasn’t changed over the past two years and it never will. Just keep having that same mentality and my skills will take over.”
Griffin’s debut brings even more optimism to what will be a sellout crowd at PNC Park. For the first time in a long time, the Pirates have hope, and Griffin is a big reason why.
The understanding is that Griffin and the Pirates are nearing a contract extension that will keep him in Pittsburgh long-term. The rumored details are potentially a nine-year deal worth $140 million, though nothing is official yet.
While Griffin couldn’t comment on a potential extension, he made it clear this is where he wants to be.
“All I’m going to say is, I want to be a Pirate for a long time. This is a special place and I’m thankful to be here.”
Two years ago, Griffin was still in high school. Now, he’s married, joins the Pirates as a potential cornerstone and is about to get a whole lot richer.
Not bad for a 19-year-old.
More about:Pirates