FORT MYERS, Fla. — Konnor Griffin, heralded as the Pittsburgh Pirates’ next superstar and the unanimous No. 1 prospect in baseball, showcased his talent against the Boston Red Sox and newcomer Ranger Suarez on Tuesday.
The 19-year-old shortstop launched two impressive home runs in Pittsburgh’s 16-7 Grapefruit League triumph over the Red Sox.
Griffin connected on a pitch from Suarez, who recently signed a five-year, $130-million contract with Boston after excelling for two seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies, and sent it soaring 375 feet over the left-field fence for a two-run homer in the second inning.
Just two innings later, Griffin struck again — this time turning on a two-strike offering from Seth Martinez and sending it an astounding 440 feet.
“I got some good swings in, so I really powered them,” Griffin remarked to reporters afterward.
The 6-foot-4 Griffin, who advanced swiftly through the Pittsburgh farm system last season, entered the day seeking his first hit of the spring but finished with four RBIs and a pair of swings that highlighted his potential.
“We must remember he’s just 19,” manager Don Kelly shared with reporters. “It’s all about pushing him, letting him be himself, and playing freely.”
Griffin noted that achieving success against two established major league pitchers — Suarez, an All-Star in 2024, and Martinez, who has played over 100 games in the last five seasons — was “unique,” but emphasized his focus on the present and not getting wrapped up in his opponents.
“I stepped into the box ready to compete,” Griffin said. “I wasn’t concerned about who was on the mound. My focus was solely on his pitches and how I could optimize my approach.”
Suarez, who allowed two runs and three hits along with two strikeouts in 1⅔ innings, acknowledged the young talent, remembering that Griffin was only 12 when Suarez made his major league debut with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2018.
“As the top prospect, people expect great things from you,” Suarez said through an interpreter. “He delivered today, but it didn’t surprise me.”
Griffin has aimed to maintain a low profile amid growing attention, following the example set by reigning National League Cy Young award winner Paul Skenes during his first spring training with the Pirates two years ago. Skenes began the 2024 season in the minors before making his major league debut in May.
Griffin, however, may not have to wait that long. The left side of the Pirates’ infield is up for grabs. Jared Triolo is a strong defender at either third or short, and Nick Gonzales is in the mix as well. Yet neither brings the same offensive potential that Griffin possesses.
“He’s definitely going to hit,” Pirates pitcher Carmen Mlodzinski remarked about Griffin. “You don’t often see swings like that, especially from a teenager. His swing stays in the zone for a long time.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
