Pittsburgh Pirates sign first-round pick Konnor Griffin to above-slot bonus of $6.53 million

Former LSU shortstop commitment Konnor Griffin was selected with the No. 9 overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft, but Griffin hadn’t signed a contract until very recently.

According to reporting from Alex Stumpf, an MLB.com beat reporter covering the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Pirates are expected to introduce Griffin at PNC Park today. Griffin reportedly signed for $6,532,025, a figure well above the listed slot value of $6,216,600 for the No. 9 overall pick.

Certainly good enough money to pass up on going to college.

Konnor Griffin was the first high school player selected in what was a college-heavy top of the draft.

The talented shortstop prospect had an impressive senior year, one which ended with him being named the Gatorade National Player of the Year. Griffin hit .559 at the plate while leading all high school players with 76 hits and 85 stolen bases. He also had nine home runs and 39 RBI.

He’ll be a favorite to rise quickly through the MLB ranks thanks to a broad set of skills. That was one of the reasons he was so coveted in the MLB Draft.

What MLB scouts were saying about Konnor Griffin

Undoubtedly one of the top players in this year’s MLB Draft, Griffin was heavily scouted ahead of his selection.

There was a lot to like in his game.

Here’s the scouting report that MLB.com put together on Konnor Griffin, who will be going straight to the pros rather than entering the college ranks.

“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.

“Griffin also has well-above-average speed, giving him 30-30 upside. Scouts project him as a plus defender at shortstop and a possible Gold Glover in center field. The Louisiana State commit covers plenty of ground with long strides at both positions and also offers a strong arm that has been clocked up to 96 mph off the mound. His makeup is as impressive as his physical ability.”