3 Pirates prospects that could be affected by the Konnor Griffin draft pick

With their first pick in the 2024 MLB Draft, the Pirates selected this year's top prep prospect in shortstop Konnor Griffin at No. 9 overall. At 6'4" and 215 pounds, Griffin can also play the outfield and has massive five-tool potential.

If the Pirates can hit on some upside with Griffin and continue to develop his hit tool, there's no telling what he could accomplish at the professional level. With that said, are there any prospects in the Pirates' system who could be significantly impacted by his arrival?

The answer to this question will ultimately depend on on where Griffin ends up. If the Pirates move him to the outfield, there is hardly anyone in his way; Pittsburgh doesn't have any outfield prospects that are even close to the majors (with the possible exception of Ji Hwan Bae, if you consider him an outfielder now).

If Griffin stays at shortstop, however, things could get interesting. The Pirates have loaded up on middle infield prospects in recent years, and the addition of Griffin into the mix could have some guys looking over their shoulders.

We've combed through the Pirates' pipeline – focusing on Low-A Bradenton and High-A Greensboro, assuming Griffin is at least four years away from Pittsburgh – and singled out three prospects who could be affected by the club's selection of Griffin in this year's draft.

Javier Rivas (SS, Low-A Bradenton)

Infield prospect Javier Rivas hasn't exactly shined, as evidenced by the fact that he has been in the system for three-plus years and has yet to crack the club's top 30 prospects – or advance beyond Single-A Bradenton, for that matter. He's slashing .228/.292/.374 this season – which, in fairness, is above his career average – but it's still not overly impressive.

Rivas was a hitting machine in the FCL, earning him his first promotion to Low-A in 2023. But he struggled mightily at the plate during his first go-round in Bradenton, slashing .189/.243/.240 before being sent back to rookie ball. He has rebounded nicely in his return to Low-A this year, but he still leaves much to be desired. If Griffin can continue to develop his hit tool, he would be an immediate upgrade over Rivas at the shortstop position.

Mitch Jebb (SS, High-A Greensboro)

The Pirates drafted shortstop Mitch Jebb in the second round (No. 42 overall) in 2023. In 147 collegiate games at Michigan State, where he demonstrated an ability to play both middle infield positions, Jebb had a .327 batting average and a .413 on-base percentage with 82 walks and 68 strikeouts.

In his professional debut with Low-A Bradenton last year, Jebb posted a .297/.382/.398 slash line in 34 games. He has gotten off to a slower start with High-A Greensboro this season, however, slashing .225/.332/.326. He is the Pirates' No. 6 prospect, according to MLB.com's pipeline rankings, and his defensive upside could actually make him an intriguing trade candidate if Pittsburgh decides to keep Griffin at shortstop.

Lonnie White Jr. (OF, High-A Greensboro)

Moving to the outfield, one Pirates prospect who could be impacted by Griffin's arrival is Lonnie White Jr. White was Pittsburgh's Competitive Balance Round B pick in 2021 and is the team's No. 10 overall prospect, but he just can't stay healthy.

The Pirates have been waiting on White since he arrived in the system three years ago, but injuries have severely impeded his development. He has been limited to just 125 games in four pro seasons, and he is slashing an abysmal .190/.294/.410 in High-A Greensboro this year. Even if he can stay healthy for a full season for the first time in his pro career, White is not posting impressive numbers at the plate. If Griffin moves to the outfield and develops into the player the Pirates expect him to be, he could easily leapfrog White in the system.

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