BUC OF ALL TRADES

Pirates five-tool prospect Konnor Griffin made key adjustments to advance all the way to Double-A as a teenager

- by GEOFF PONTES

When Konnor Griffin made his pro debut with Low-A Bradenton in April, it didn't start on a high note.

The 19-year-old shortstop struck out in six of his first eight at-bats. The Pirates 2024 first-round pick made sure that didn't happen again and didn't record another two-game stretch with six strikeouts all season.

Adjust he did.

After recovering from a rough start, Griffin hit .333/.415/.527 with 21 home runs, 65 stolen bases and 117 runs scored en route to a historically successful debut season in which he climbed three levels to Double-A Altoona and finished the season ranked as the No. 1 overall prospect.

Now, Griffin is also the Minor League Player of the Year.

Griffin achieved the honor thanks in part to offensive dominance not seen in years. Over the last 20 minor league seasons, he is the only player to produce a season with a .300 average, 20 or more home runs, 60 or more stolen bases and 100 or more runs.

And while the offensive numbers speak for themselves, the versatility he showed in the field was what set Griffin apart from his top prospect peers in 2025.

Drafted ninth overall out of high school as a shortstop with plus defense, Griffin also stood out defensively in center field, giving him a chance to provide rare value at two premium defensive positions.

Such was the season for Griffin, who spent 2025 as one of the youngest players on every field he stepped foot on while also always being the most talented.