Pittsburgh Pirates select Konnor Griffin ninth overall in the 2024 MLB Draft

The Pittsburgh Pirates entered the 2024 draft with the ninth overall pick and took the top high school player available, shortstop/outfielder Konnor Griffin out of Jackson Prep in Mississippi. The Pirates have chosen their second high school first-rounder in the last three drafts, with the previous being Termarr Johnson. Griffin was ranked as the best high school talent in this year’s draft class by MLB Pipeline; the outlet ranked him ninth overall. Baseball America was in agreement, also ranking him as the ninth-best prospect pre-draft.

Griffin has a chance to be a five-tool star. His best offensive weapon is his power. He’s a big 6’4”, 210-pound infielder who has plus power potential. He’s also extremely fast. He’s a fringe double-plus runner who went 87/88 in stolen base attempts according to MLB Pipeline. Griffin has the ceiling of a 30/30 threat.

Griffin has the athleticism to stick at shortstop long-term. Both MLB Pipeline and Baseball America project him to be a plus defender. He’s also been clocked in the mid-90s when throwing off the mound, so he has more than enough arm strength to play on the left side of the infield. However, Griffin also has experience in center field, another premium position he could play in the long run. With his speed and arm, he’ll also play well in the outfield.

Pirates take Konnor Griffin with the ninth overall pick in 2024 MLB Draft

There have been some questions about Griffin’s hit tool. His swing can get long, in part because of his large frame, but he has sharpened up his eye at the plate, making better swing decisions, according to Baseball America. Both BA and Pipeline think he can at least reach the point where his hit tool is average.

Griffin is a very talented shortstop/outfielder. The Pirates need a potential long-term outfielder, and they got one in Griffin. He has the potential to be a huge power/speed threat. Even if his hit tool ends up as average, he’ll provide a lot of thump in the future. The Pirates' next pick is the 37th overall selection. Stay tuned in as Day 1 of the draft continues, and as we produce more draft coverage this week.