BREAKING: Pirates select SS Konnor Griffin in 2024 MLB Draft

The Pittsburgh Pirates are on the clock at the 2024 MLB Draft, and with the No. 9 overall pick, they have selected shortstop Konnor Griffin from Jackson Prep School in Mississippi.

Griffin, who just turned 18 in April, was the first high school prospect taken in the draft after the first eight picks were collegiate players.

Here’s a look at what MLB.com has to say about Griffin:

Gatorade’s National High School Player of the Year, Griffin has a big league frame at 6-foot-4 and 205 pounds and he possesses five-tool potential. His size does add some length to his right-handed stroke and he has some timing issues he’s ironing out at the plate, but he controls the strike zone well and makes regular contact. His combination of electric bat speed, strength and leverage could translate into 30-homer power as he learns to drive the ball in the air more consistently.

The Pirates are hoping to hit on some upside with Griffin, but it does come across as a strange pick considering the fact that Oneil Cruz should have the position on lock for a little bit. Even if he were to move to third base, Ke’Bryan Hayes signed a long-term deal and is under contract until 2029 with a club option for 2030.

It seems as if the Pirates are more concerned about grabbing the best player available as opposed to positional needs, and that means bringing in Griffin, who may have the highest ceiling of anyone in the class.