The Pittsburgh Pirates have drafted prep outfielder/shortstop Konnor Griffin with the ninth overall pick. Griffin was the top prep player in the draft, and the first prep player to go off the board. He is from Jackson Prep in Flowood, Mississippi, and has a commitment to LSU.
Baseball America rated Griffin the ninth best prospect in the draft, with one of the highest ceilings in the draft. He has more risk to get to that ceiling, with development work needed on his hit tool. Griffin stands out as an athlete with a 70-grade run tool, and the chance for a 70-grade arm in the future.
What I like about Griffin is that he has shown improvements after dropping football and basketball to focus solely on baseball. He stole 85 bases this year, after adjusting to a solo sport focus. His speed and athleticism could allow him to play at shortstop, though his size — 6′ 4″, 210 pounds — could push him to center field. He profiles as a plus defender at short, and a potential Gold Glover in center.
The drawback and the need for development comes with the bat. He has plus raw power, with the chance to develop that into 30 home run per year in-game power. His hit tool needs work, due to timing issues from a longer swing. He did improve his swing this spring.
The only drawback is that the Pirates don’t have a great track record in developing hitters to their ceilings in the majors. What’s interesting about Griffin is that he has the opposite profile of hitters they usually take. They tend to go with high contact guys, with hopes of developing the power. Griffin will need to learn how to hit for contact to go with his plus power and elite speed.
Griffin has the chance to be a 30-30 player in the future, with the ability to provide positive defense at shortstop, or Gold Glove potential in center field.
