Jackson Prep graduate Connor Griffin, the ninth overall pick in last month’s MLB draft, is officially a member of the Pittsburgh Pirates organization.
Griffin flew to the Steel City last week to sign his first professional contract, which included a $6.5 million signing bonus. During the trip, Griffin was shown around Pittsburgh, but most importantly, he was shown around the stadium where he hopes to one day suit up in front of thousands of fans.
“The first thing I noticed was how beautiful PNC Park is,” Griffin said in an interview with SportsTalk Mississippi. “That backdrop is real and it’s amazing. That was probably the first thing that struck me as I looked at the whole thing. I could picture myself playing on that field one day. It may take me a few years to make it to the major leagues, but I can’t wait to call this my home and get to play on that field every day.”
Griffin would like to make it to the big leagues as soon as possible, especially with Pittsburgh being known as an organization that doesn’t retain minor league prospects, but the 18-year-old understands patience is key to becoming a regular MLB player.
“The good thing about the Pirates is that if you play well, they’ll move you up through the system,” he noted. “Obviously it’s going to be a lot of work, and it might take a little longer because you’re in high school, but at least I know that if everything goes according to plan, you can make it to the major leagues in a few years.”
Griffin will begin his professional journey in Bradenton, Fla., with the Florida Instructional League, playing 22 games between now and mid-September, then return to Mississippi for a few weeks before moving back to the Southeast for further development before getting a chance to prove his worth when the Pirates meet for spring training in February 2025.
“I’m ready to go, I’m hoping to do well through spring training next spring and then head off to Low-A, High-A or wherever they want. I don’t know what to expect, but I think it’ll be a fun journey,” Griffin said. “I’m happy to be joining a great organization and the team that wanted me the most.”
A two-way player in high school, Griffin projects to be a shortstop in the major leagues, but if he has to move to the outfield, the rising star said he wouldn’t be opposed.
Griffin, who was reclassified from the 2025 class to the 2024 class after his freshman season, batted .548 with 110 hits, 69 RBI and 17 home runs over his final two seasons at Jackson Prep. Not only did he lead the Patriots to a state championship each year he was with the program, but he was named the Gatorade National Baseball Player of the Year after his senior season.
