Konnor Griffin already can't wait to reunite with Pirates' first-round draft pick

Looking at highlights of the Pirates’ first-round pick Derek Curiel in purple and gold certainly calls to mind Paul Skenes’ dominance at LSU, their shared alma mater. But as it turns out, the newest young Buc has a closer connection to a different Pirates standout.

Curiel and Pirates rookie phenom Konnor Griffin teamed up on a Team USA 18U squad in 2023, and Griffin can’t stop singing Curiel’s praises.

Curiel and Griffin started side by side in Team USA’s outfield during the U-18 Baseball World Cup. Curiel was a speedy, if willowy, 6-foot-2 and 175-pound center fielder who tied for the tournament lead with six stolen bases. Griffin, meanwhile, had filled out to 6-foot-4, 205, and manned right field on days he did not pitch.

The contrasting physiques played a role in the pair’s divergent paths to the draft. Curiel went to LSU in order to gain strength and size, while Griffin dropped his commitment to Baton Rouge in favor of pro ball. The pair could reunite in the big leagues in short order.

Former teammates Konnor Griffin Derek Curiel are looking forward to Pirates reunion

Griffin lauded Curiel’s hustle and made comparisons to Jake Mangum, Pittsburgh’s current center fielder. Both have above-average speed and strong bat-to-ball skills but lack pop and the conventional arm strength associated with the position.

The good news here is, of course, that Curiel has yet to work within a big-league player development system. Some considered him the best contact bat in the draft, and his 20 pounds of newly acquired muscle is starting to translate into power.

Alongside flamethrower Seth Hernandez, Curiel could be the face of the next wave of Pirates prospects, and it’s none too soon. Eight of MLB Pipeline’s Top 30 Pirates prospects from 2025 have either cracked the 26-man roster or are on the 40-man with real potential to spend time in the Majors this year.

Hernandez, Edward Florentino, Sammy Stafura, and Levi Sterling (who coincidentally also played on that 2023 U18 team) are still a few years from the big leagues. With Curiel in the mix, the Pirates could have a plan for long-term success.

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