Konnor Griffin is a name that diehard baseball fans are likely well aware of, but he’s also someone that casuals should become well-acquainted with this season and beyond. The 19-year-old rookie made his MLB debut on Friday with the Pittsburgh Pirates, and it was arguably the most anticipated rookie debut since Paul Skenes, also of the Pirates, in 2024.
Like Skenes, who was the No. 1 overall pick in 2023, Griffin was also a first-rounder a year later. He went ninth overall but was the first player taken out of high school in that year’s MLB Draft. Griffin didn’t hesitate in making an impact in his big league debut, doubling in his first plate appearance, driving a run in the process, and then later scoring as well. Pittsburgh’s 5-4 win over Baltimore on Friday, Griffin finished 1-for-3 with a run, RBI, and walk while hitting from the No. 7 hole.
