MLB Pipeline predicts position change for Pirates' most recent first-round draft pick

When the Pittsburgh Pirates selected prep shortstop Konnor Griffin at No. 9 overall in the 2024 MLB Draft, they swung for the fences. (No pun intended.)

Rather than go with one of the "safer" college bats in the class, the Pirates selected Griffin as the first high school player off the board. Jonathan Mayo of MLB Pipeline praised the Pirates' pick, who enters the season with lofty expectations as the No. 43-ranked prospect in all of baseball before he's even taken the field. However, due to the glut of infielders the Pirates have in both the majors and the minors, Griffin may not stay at shortstop for much longer.

"He can really run," Mayo said. "Shortstop or outfield, we're going to have to wait and see if he's going to get time at both. I think most evaluators think eventually he goes out and wins some Gold Gloves in center field."

MLB Pipeline predicts position change for Pirates first-round draft pick Konnor Griffin

Well, well, well. Not only is Griffin expected to be converted to an outfielder; he's expected to be a Gold Glove-winning outfielder. Those are some sky-high expectations, but they're indicative of Griffin's five-tool potential. MLB Pipeline calls Griffin "the owner of the loudest tools" in the entire 2024 Draft class, and Mayo doubled down on that assessment.

"[Pittsburgh] went all in on Konnor Griffin's tools and he has as loud tools as anybody in the 2024 draft class," Mayo said. "Unbelievable raw power that he's going to continue to get to. He's got bat speed, he's got strength [and] he's got leverage."

This is promising news for a Pirates organization that is severely lacking in high-level outfield prospects. MLB Pipeline projects Griffin's ETA in the Major Leagues to be sometime during the 2028 season, so there's still time. But don't be surprised if he starts seeing more reps in the outfield during his first season of pro ball. Griffin will attend his first spring training with the Pirates this month as a non-roster invitee, and his speed and throwing arm in the outfield will certainly bear watching.

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