Decision to reclassify for 2024 Draft paid dividends for Pirates' 1st-round pick Konnor Griffin

From his vantage point at PNC Park Friday, soaking in the moment after being signed by the Pittsburgh Pirates, Konnor Griffin could say with certainty that one decision made a few years ago paid off, literally.

Griffin, the Pirates’ first-round (No. 9 overall) pick in the 2024 MLB Draft, received a $6.53-million bonus, more than $315,000 over slot value.

He has his choice to reclassify for this year’s draft to thank for that, as well as the opportunity to begin his professional baseball career in the Pirates organization.

“I wouldn’t be sitting here if I didn’t reclass,” Griffin said. “I think it was good for me. I was an older guy for the 2025 class, so I think it was good to be a younger guy in that ‘24 class. I think it pushed me to play against some tougher competition.”

Had he opted for the normal high school experience at Jackson Prep in Mississippi, the 18-year-old Griffin would be entering his senior year.

But following his freshman year of high school, he made the decision to reclassify, skipping his sophomore year and graduating in only three years.

Prominent in his decision was a desire to challenge himself as much as possible on the baseball diamond.

Griffin, despite being underaged, sought to match up against the best players.

Last summer, he got his wish on the international stage, playing nine games for the United States U18 National Team.

As a senior for the Patriots, the shortstop/center fielder put up stellar numbers both offensively (.559 batting average, 66 hits, 39 RBIs, nine homers) and as a pitcher (10-0, 0.72 ERA).

“I was able to face some adversity throughout the summer, which was good,” Griffin said. “I didn’t want to go into pro ball and then face my first cycle of adversity and not know what to do. I feel like I’m prepared now for whatever baseball throws at me. It was good. I was able to start my college recruitment earlier and now, I’m able to be sitting here with a Pirates jersey on.

“It worked out great. A lot of schoolwork was done in two or three years but it definitely paid off. I wouldn’t be sitting here now without that decision.”

Kim and Kevin Griffin, Konnor’s parents, have been at their son’s side for what has been a whirlwind of a youth baseball career.

Watching him manage the workload of taking extra courses in order to graduate early, in addition to seeing how he fared away from home with Team USA last summer inspired confidence that Konnor, who turned 18 in April, was ready for the next chapter of his baseball and adult life.

“I think it gives us peace knowing that he’s gone through all that, honestly,” Kevin Griffin, who coaches Division III softball at Belhaven University (Miss.), told TribLive. “It shows a lot of maturity to reclass and take as many classes as he had to double up on in the summertime, just to get to that point. With Team USA and all the travel he’s had to do with them, he’s been on his own a lot.

“It gives us peace to know that he can get out, spread his wings a little bit and he’ll be mature enough to handle it. I think it was the right move for sure.”

Griffin’s reclassification was well in the rearview mirror by the time the Pirates drafted him July 14.

However, at that moment, another decision loomed, with Griffin having signed a letter of intent to play at defending College World Series champion LSU back in November.

Tigers coach Jay Johnson made a strong impression throughout the recruiting process, but both pre- and post-draft, the Pirates delivered the winning pitch, culminating with Griffin signing a day before MLB’s deadline for 2024 selections.

“I’m an educator, so of course I was sad to see him give up LSU, but I get it,” Kim Griffin said. “I understand and I understand where his heart is in wanting to start that journey as soon as possible.”

Griffin will enjoy some more time with his family in Pittsburgh, catching the Pirates vs. Arizona Diamondbacks game Friday before preparing to link up with the rest of the club’s draft class in the Florida Complex League in Bradenton.

As he prepares to get to work with the Pirates, Griffin is confident he’s in the right place.

“The Pirates made it really easy,” Griffin said. “We did Zooms and we met at the Combine, at home visits and you could just tell that they wanted to pour into my life and help me grow as a player. I know Jay Johnson at LSU was going to do the same and I’m thankful for LSU for believing in me, but I feel like the Pirates are the right organization.

“It wasn’t a hard decision knowing the guys that are here and are going to be working with me.”