Konnor Griffin, MLB’s #1 prospect, shines with 2 home runs against Red Sox

FORT MYERS, Florida – Konnor Griffin, the new prospect of the Pittsburgh Pirates, demonstrated his potential by hitting two impressive home runs against the Boston Red Sox this Tuesday. The young shortstop, considered the number one prospect in baseball, displayed his power in the Grapefruit League game, where the Pirates defeated the Red Sox with a score of 16-7.

Double Display of Power

Griffin, 19, hit his first home run against pitcher Ranger Suárez, who signed a million-dollar contract with Boston in January. The ball traveled 375 feet over the left field fence, driving in two runs in the second inning. Two innings later, Griffin repeated the feat, this time against Seth Martinez, sending the ball 440 feet away.

I connected good swings, I sent them far.

Konnor Griffin

Griffin, who is looking for his first hit of the spring, finished the day with four RBIs and two hits that showed his enormous potential.

We have to remember that he is 19 years old. It’s about continuing to push him, allowing him to be himself and play freely.

Don Kelly, ManagerGriffin acknowledged that succeeding against two high-level pitchers was special, but he focused on the moment, not getting carried away by the reputation of his opponents.

I stood in the batter’s box and was ready to compete. I didn’t care who was on the mound. I just focused on his pitch and how I could have the best approach.

Konnor Griffin

Suárez, who allowed two runs and three hits in 1⅔ innings, praised the young player. “When you’re the best prospect in the game, people expect that from you. He did it today, and I wasn’t surprised,” Suárez said. Griffin has tried to remain calm in the face of anticipation, similar to Paul Skenes, who debuted in the Major Leagues in May 2024. There’s a chance Griffin might not have to wait so long. The left side of the Pirates’ infield is uncertain. Jared Triolo is an excellent defender who can play third or shortstop, and Nick Gonzales is also in the running. However, neither has the offensive potential that Griffin offers.

He’s definitely going to hit. There aren’t many swings like that, especially from a teenager. The best way to put it is that his swing stays in the zone forever.

Carmen Mlodzinski, Pirates Pitcher