PITTSBURGH — While many players take a break during the offseason, Konnor Griffin, the top prospect for the Pittsburgh Pirates, is dedicating his time to improving his baseball skills. Over the past few weeks, he has been training diligently in the batting cage alongside his father, Kevin Griffin. Kevin, who serves as the associate athletic director and softball coach at Belhaven College in Jackson, Mississippi, shared a video on Twitter showcasing Konnor’s commitment to refining his technique.
Konnor Griffin had an impressive 2025 season, establishing himself as a standout player in the minor leagues. Selected as the ninth overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft, he opted to forgo his commitment to Louisiana State University (LSU) in favor of a professional career, signing with the Pirates for a substantial $6.2 million bonus.
Remarkable Performance Throughout the 2025 Season
The 19-year-old showcased exceptional talent during his first professional season. He began with Single-A Bradenton, where he boasted an impressive slash line of .338/.396/.536. Over 207 at-bats, he recorded 70 hits, 49 runs, 26 RBIs, and 26 stolen bases on 30 attempts, leading the Florida State League in several categories. His performance included 10 doubles, two triples, and nine home runs, resulting in an OPS of .932.
After earning a promotion to High-A Greensboro on June 10, Griffin continued to excel. He maintained a .325 batting average with an OPS of .942 over 51 games, contributing 63 hits and 36 RBIs. His remarkable start with Greensboro included four multi-hit games in his first five contests and back-to-back home runs against the Rome Emperors, earning him the South Atlantic League Player of the Week honors.
Griffin’s skills were further highlighted on July 12 when he participated in the Futures Game at Truist Park, representing the Pirates alongside outfielder Esmerlyn Valdez.
On August 18, he ascended to Double-A Altoona, where he finished the regular season with a .337 average, .960 OPS, and 22 RBIs over just 21 games. His stellar performance helped Altoona secure the Eastern League Southwest Division title, marking their return to the playoffs for the first time since 2018.
A Historic Season and Personal Milestones
In total, Griffin completed the season with a .333 average, .942 OPS, and a remarkable 94 RBIs across 122 games. His performance included 161 hits, 21 home runs, and an astonishing 65 stolen bases, making him the first teenage draftee to achieve a 20-40 season. He also became the first minor league player to record a 20-60 season since 1982.
Griffin received significant recognition for his achievements, being named the Minor League Player of the Year by Baseball America and earning accolades for Hitting Prospect of the Year and Debut of the Year from MLB Pipeline.
In addition to his baseball successes, Konnor Griffin celebrated a personal milestone at the end of the season by announcing his engagement to his girlfriend, Dendy Hogan, marking a joyous conclusion to a remarkable year.
As the offseason continues, Konnor Griffin’s commitment to his craft ensures that he remains a player to watch in the upcoming seasons. For more updates on the Pittsburgh Pirates and their prospects, fans can follow Pirates OnSI.
