On Sunday, the Pittsburgh Pirates picked Konnor Griffin, a shortstop and outfielder from Mississippi, in the first round of the June Amateur Draft. Confusion might arise because, once again, Major League Baseball conducted its June Amateur Draft in July. This time, the Pirates had the ninth pick, marking their lowest draft position since Ben Cherington took over as general manager.
Jim Callis:
"I do think the Pirates really like Konnor Griffin. And I think if he got there, that would probably be the guy they would take." pic.twitter.com/wgVX40bsJX
— Jim Rosati 🏴☠️ (@northsidenotch) July 14, 2024
Pirates Select High School Prospect Konnor Griffin in First Round of 2024 Draft
Cherington adhered to his “best player available” strategy by selecting Konnor Griffin, a promising high school prospect. Griffin, a six-foot-four, 215-pound right-handed hitter, is touted by scouts for his potential as a five-tool player, with projections suggesting he could achieve 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases in a season. His speed and strong arm promise above-average defense at either shortstop or center field, with scouts grading his arm at an impressive 70.
Konnor Griffin by the numbers 👀 pic.twitter.com/lEWDBbCvzQ
— Young Bucs (@YoungBucsPIT) July 15, 2024
Griffin is noted for his baseball intelligence, which adds to his allure. Despite his impressive attributes, questions arise as to why he was ranked only ninth in the draft. Committed to Louisiana State University, Griffin likely provided assurances to the Pirates regarding his willingness to sign before they drafted him. Recognizing he’s a high school player, it’s understood he has a developmental journey ahead before reaching the majors, but he appears to be a worthwhile investment for the future.
The Last Word
Griffin becomes the latest addition to the Pirates’ No. 1 draft picks under Cherington, joining Henry Davis, Nick Gonzales, Termarr Johnson, and Paul Skenes. Gonzales and Skenes are currently integral parts of the major league team. Johnson, though promising, is still progressing and recently showed promise in the Futures Game with a 1-for-2 performance and a run scored.
Evaluating the Cherington era is complex; while this season’s major league performance has been disappointing, the minor league system has significantly improved since his arrival. Cherington has focused on building pitching depth and making solid draft choices, a stark departure from previous top picks like Daniel Moskos, Bryan Bullington, and Cole Tucker. The development of hitters, notably Davis, has faced challenges, but Griffin represents another potentially strong selection by Cherington. Only time will reveal the full impact of these decisions.
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