The term most associated with the top prospect in baseball regarding his chances to make the big league club out of spring training is to leave “no doubt.”
On Tuesday afternoon in Fort Myers, Konnor Griffin left no doubt on two baseballs.
In fact, they left the entire ballpark.
Facing All-Star left-hander Ranger Suarez and the Boston Red Sox in the second inning of his third spring training game, Griffin smashed a two-run home run over the left field wall.
The ball traveled 374 feet and left the bat
at a 104.8 mph exit velocity.
If you thought that was fun to watch, you’d better have been seated for his second.
Facing veteran right-handed reliever Seth Martinez in the fourth, Griffin hit a tape-measure shot to left center field.
The measurements? 440 feet and 111 mph exit velocity for the consensus best player in the minor leagues.
Griffin hit an RBI groundout to third base in his third time up, finishing the day with two home runs and four RBIs. He also committed one error at short.
Only 19 years old, Griffin played his first full season in 2025 after being selected No. 9 overall in the 2024 MLB Draft. Griffin was the first high school player taken and rapidly rose up the charts by mid-season.
In 122 games between three different levels, Griffin slashed .333/.415/.527 with a .942 OPS. He combined for 23 doubles, four triples, 21 home runs, 94 RBIs, and a whopping 65 stolen bases.
Griffin won’t turn 20 until April 24. Despite moving up from Single-A, to High-A and finally Double-A, Griffin hit .325 or better in all three leagues.
In 21 games with Double-A Altoona, Griffin recorded a .337 average and .960 OPS, increasing his OPS total each level. During that span, Griffin hit five home runs and drove in 22.
He didn’t play a single game of pro ball after being drafted in 2024, bursting onto the scene as a star that prospect analyst Keith Law called “Willie Mays at shortstop.”
The pressure and expectations on Griffin to be a key solution to the Pirates’ offensive woes are immense.
Ben Cherington and Don Kelly may refrain from making Griffin a member of the Opening Day roster if they don’t feel he’s ready or for a number of other reasons, but Griffin is already doing his part to ensure that one of the best prospects this century leaves “no doubt.”
