Fantasy Freshman - MLB - Meet Konnor Griffin

The prospect that’s poised to spark the Pittsburgh Pirates turnaround.

Konnor Griffin isn’t even 20 yet, but he’s already on the verge of carving out a spot in the heart of the Pittsburgh Pirates’ lineup, teaming up with fellow generational talent Paul Skenes to form the most electrifying young one-two punch in baseball. Griffin, who’s been described as a Ferrari, hasn’t just been squeaking balls over the fence in spring thus far, he’s been launching atomic bombs into orbits we haven’t seen from a teenager in a long while.

After being selected ninth overall by the Pirates in the 2024 MLB Draft, quickly cruised through three minor league levels last year (Low-A, High-A, Double-A), dominating each one with ease. After the shortstop slashed .333/.415/.527 with a .941 OPS to go along with his 21 nukes, he was the consensus Minor League Player of the Year in 2025.

Griffin’s six-game spring breakout has been truly impossible to ignore. The teenage phenom has launched three Grapefruit League homers, including a two-homer game with both traveling over 400 feet and exceeding 105 mph off the bat, the second leaving the stadium. His third gave him the most Spring Training home runs by a teenager in at least the past two decades… not bad.

Why Konnor Griffin Should Be on Your DFS Radar

 Five-Tool Impact: Griffin entered professional baseball with four plus tools but questions about the hit tool, yet he answered any concerns immediately. Mechanical tweaks unlocked his plus-plus raw power, allowing his bat speed, strength, and leverage to consistently translate in games.

 Elite Production at just 19: Griffin led all Minor Leaguers with a 165 wRC+ and posted a rare 20-60 season, proving his bat and speed will play against advanced pitching.

 Game-Breaking Speed & Defense: His 70-grade speed (65 steals) adds massive DFS upside, and his emergence as a legitimate defensive shortstop with a bazooka of an arm will keep him locked into everyday value.

 The Path to Pittsburgh

The Pirates front office have historically taken their time calling up top prospects, with Bubba Chandler, a former OwnersBox Fantasy Freshman, as the most recent example. That being said, Griffin’s ability to transform himself into a strong defensive shortstop will help his case, especially considering they currently have Nick Gonzales slotted in currently, who slashed a mere .661 OPS in 2025. If the Pirates stick to their stubborn ways of developing prospects, he may need some Triple-A games under his belt first, but if he does crack the roster, he’d be just the 10th teenager in the last 125 years to debut on Opening Day.