MLB Pipeline names Pirates’ Konnor Griffin No. 1 shortstop prospect, with ‘highest ceiling’

Given that Konnor Griffin is considered the consensus No. 1 prospect in baseball, it’s no surprise that the 19-year-old Pittsburgh Pirates farmhand is ranked the top player at his position by MLB Pipeline.

But Griffin’s potential for greatness was captured when he was graded at the top of nearly every category, including having the highest ceiling of any shortstop in the minor leagues. That became evident when he starred across three levels last season, one year after being the No. 9 overall pick of the 2024 MLB Draft, and reached Double-A Altoona.

Using the 20-80 scouting scale, MLB Pipeline proved that Griffin has five-tool talent by grading him among the best shortstop prospects in terms of power, running, throwing and fielding. While Griffin shared the top of some of those categories, Detroit’s Kevin McGonigle earned a higher grade (70) on the hit tool.

Griffin received a 70 for his running, given that he “recorded a Bolt” — a sprint speed of 30 feet per second or faster — 33 times over 50 games in the Florida State League at Low-A Bradenton last season. That puts the 6-foot-4, 225-pound Griffin in the company of Pirates center fielder Oneil Cruz in terms of sprint speed, as Cruz had 42 Bolt times last year. Griffin finished with 65 stolen bases and 117 runs scored.

Griffin also received a 65 grade for power after hitting 21 home runs in his first full professional season, when he batted .333/.415/.527 and recorded 48 extra-base hits and 94 RBIs in 122 games.

Despite his ability to play center field, Griffin showed he could stick at shortstop because of his range and ability to make strong throws. He earned a 70 grade for his arm and a 60 grade for his fielding, which earned him a MiLB Gold Glove. MLB Pipeline noted that “Griffin was even voted the Best Defensive Prospect in the MLB Pipeline Executive Poll earlier this month.”

Given that Griffin was voted the No. 1 prospect by 88.4% of the executives in the poll, it’s no wonder Griffin is regarded as having the highest ceiling.

“That type of industry-wide consensus is rare, and in this case, revealing,” MLB Pipeline wrote. “The Bucs shortstop is the most tooled-up No. 1 name at the top of this list since Bobby Witt Jr. in 2022, and he’s a bigger version of the Royals superstar.”

Another player with local ties was voted the most likely to win Rookie of the Year honors. That honor belongs to St. Louis Cardinals shortstop JJ Wetherholt, a Mars alum who was the No. 7 pick of the 2024 draft.

“Wetherholt has the best Opening Day shot of anyone in this group with the Cardinals clearing out Nolan Arenado and potentially Brendan Donovan from the infield,” MLB Pipeline wrote. “The former West Virginia star is adaptable against multiple pitch types, and his power showed up in improved ways at Triple-A. He could bat .300 with 15 homers and 20ish steals as a rookie.”

MLB Pipeline will reveal its 2026 top 100 prospects on Friday.