PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – It’s been an amazing rise for Pirates 2024 first-round pick Konnor Griffin, not only has the 19-year-old moved from Low A to AA, he’s the top prospect in the game. The 6’4”, 225-pounder is confident, but this has even surprised him.
“I’ve just developed a lot,” Griffin said Tuesday. “I feel like I’ve become a more mature player-that’s hitting and on the defensive side. I just feel like there’s been some steps I’m taking that I didn’t see myself taking so soon. It’s been good and just enjoying every day.”
Pretty much every day has been enjoyable, his longest hitless streak is two games. Overall in 101 games between Bradenton and Greensboro the numbers are insane
· .332 average, .414 on-base, .938 OPS, 21 doubles, 4 triples, 16 home runs, 72 RBI, 59 stolen bases
The numbers are pretty equal between the two stops and on Tuesday he makes his debut in AA as the youngest player to play for the Altoona Curve since Andrew McCutchen.
“It’s pretty cool to think about the player McCutchen turned out to be,” Griffin said courtesy of the Fly Altoona Curve Radio Network. “Just trying to be like that, trying to go out here and compete. My age really doesn’t matter. I’m going to go out there and be the baseball player that I am.”
A centerfielder and shortstop in high school, which a reminder he was in high school a year ago, the Pirates have started him at short. He said he’s worked really hard, that center is more natural for him, but he continues to challenge himself. He’s done pretty well for his first year of professional baseball, seven errors in 281 chances for a .975 fielding percentage, helping turn 38 double plays.
This overall start has vaulted him to the top of the MLB Pipeline prospect list, something he calls ‘cool’.
“It shows the hard work and success I’ve had, but that can change tomorrow,” Griffin said courtesy of the Fly Altoona Curve Radio Network. “I just try to be who I am. I’m not trying to play the game for the rankings, I’m trying to play to grow as a player and help my team win games. All that stuff that comes with it is awesome, but I try not to focus on it too much.”
Griffin said his family and girlfriend treat him like a normal human being which helps him deal with all of the outside noise. It also helps him when you consider it’s his first year being away from home and the third time he’s moved in five months.
He feels like he started the offseason with a really good plan, took that to Spring Training and has stuck with it.
“I was on the same field with some of the big-league players and I feel like I could compete with them and be at that level,” Griffin said of his opportunities in exhibition games. “They’ve had a lot of experience, that’s what I’m missing. I know I need to do my time in the minors and continue to grow because I think there is something new I am learning every single day.”
“It was great being around those types of players. I know the standards they hold themselves to, I’m going to do the same thing so I can get with them as quick as I can.”
Griffin is really trying to stay grounded, saying he wants to help get Altoona in the playoffs and win it all. The teenager is enjoying where he is now, and says he’s thankful for it. He’ll think about his future in the offseason.
With numbers like he is putting up, this might be the last offseason that he isn’t a Major League player.