Griffin boosts Pirates system, known for producing arms, with some pop
BRADENTON, Fla. – The Pirates’ strength in pitching is obvious. This is the organization that drafted Paul Skenes after all and saw him become the National League All-Star starter one year later. Jared Jones and Mitch Keller serve as more developmental success stories on the bump, and Top 100 prospects
BRADENTON, Fla. – The Pirates’ strength in pitching is obvious. This is the organization that drafted Paul Skenes after all and saw him become the National League All-Star starter one year later. Jared Jones and Mitch Keller serve as more developmental success stories on the bump, and Top 100 prospects Bubba Chandler (No. 1/MLB No. 15) and Thomas Harrington (No. 3/MLB No. 79) are waiting in the wings.
Yet the next glittering prospect starting on his way to Steel City will take another road as a position player, and Konnor Griffin (No. 2/MLB No. 43), the ninth overall pick and the first high-schooler off the board in last year’s Draft, may already be well ahead of the curve.
Pittsburgh extended a non-roster invite to Griffin in his first Spring Training, months before his 19th birthday, to make him one of the youngest players in a 2025 Major League camp.
The right-handed slugger held his own in limited looks, going 2-for-9 with a pair of strikeouts over eight game appearances. But the clear highlight was his homer on March 1 off Orioles right-hander Brandon Young, a hurler with Triple-A experience. The pitch was a 93 mph fastball on the outside corner that Griffin drove the other way to right-center, thus showcasing the plus power potential that made him a Top 10 pick in the first place.
Watch Griffin on any diamond, and such tools are obvious. There’s that pop in his 6-foot-4 frame, but he’s also a borderline plus-plus runner with a bazooka arm. What stood out more during that Spring Training run was what happened behind the scenes, with Pirates officials reporting that the club’s top position player prospect was a sponge for information on the MLB side of Bradenton.
“The ingredients that he has, that's what we're betting on,” said Pittsburgh director of coaching and player development Michael Chernow. “Seeing these other characteristics of who he is and who he's growing into as a man really makes it something that we're excited about.”
There were some concerns about length in Griffin’s swing coming out of the Draft, but while he irons that out, his defensive development will draw a lot of intrigue, too. The Bucs have made it clear they intend to prioritize Griffin’s time at shortstop first and sprinkle in some center field to give him another option up the middle.
But don’t expect a set weekly schedule out of the gate, like four days per week at short and two in center. Griffin could spend whole weeks on the dirt if the Pirates decide he didn’t get enough balls hit to him in one stretch. Other times, he could get more time on the grass to stretch his legs.
The only thing set at this time in Spring Training is that both the infield and outfield coordination groups want to get their hands on arguably the system’s best athlete. His diving catch in left-center on Tuesday will only add fuel to that fiery tug of war.
“He takes it so seriously that you see him make plays at shortstop that give you a little bit where you can dream a little bit,” Chernow said, “And then you see him track stuff down the outfield, and you can dream there too. … You just want him to go out and compete and learn the game and let his natural gifts dictate the rest.”
Those raw tools already have generated plenty of buzz in all corners of Bradenton as Griffin works to fit himself into the hitting development apparatus of a Pirates farm system that, to this point, has a clear strength on the mound.
“What we’re really trying to encourage from the Major League level all the way down is keep the line moving,” Chernow said. “Team offense is such a priority because we have really good pitching, and we want to make sure that we're doing the little things that are going to help us win games.”
Something to prove: Termarr Johnson
Let’s be clear, this isn’t a make-or-break year for Johnson (PIT No. 4) by any means. The 2022 fourth overall pick is still only 20 years old and already has Double-A experience. He’s ahead of most curves.
But the 5-foot-9 infielder was expected to be a potential plus-plus hitter in pro ball and, instead, enters his third full season with a career .239 average. He’s stood out more for his .390 OBP, but his willingness to sell out for pull side power has brought pause to his profile. He’s slipped to No. 82 in Pipeline’s Top 100 and could slide out completely if results don’t come with more authority in his age-21 season.
The Pirates continue to take the long view, knowing they’ve been aggressive with Johnson to this point. They see 2025 as an opportunity for him to show how much he’s learned and how well he can adjust as he strives to return to the form that made him such an exciting Draft prospect three years ago.
“He has a chance to be a complete hitter because he has those traits at such a young age,” Chernow said. “Learning what the game is offering, learning how he's being attacked, and understanding how to navigate an at-bat are some areas where we've seen him consistently grow. He's certainly going to be challenged this year with it, and I feel like he's in a good spot to take on that challenge.”
Breakout potential: Estuar Suero
The Pirates’ No. 25 prospect was acquired from the Padres in 2023 as part of the Rich Hill/Ji-Man Choi swap but has yet to play above the complex levels. A broken hamate affected him most recently in '24, and he finished with just a .213/.318/.307 line in 25 games.
But with that issue behind him, Suero could take off in his age-19 season. The outfielder stands at 6-foot-6, hits from both sides and earns above-average grades for his run tool. The individual pieces are there for a standout prospect, and improved hand health will mean more reps, which the Pirates hope will mean an improved contact rate that could help Suero jump up prospect rankings this summer.
“When a guy has the type of ability that he has and the collection of tools and traits, once he starts figuring it out, we expect the performance will follow thereafter,” Chernow said.
Camp standout: Sammy Siani
Siani dropped his strikeout rate from 31.7 percent at High-A Greensboro in '23 to 18.9 percent between there and Double-A Altoona last summer thanks to a flatter bat path. He carried that success into the Arizona Fall League, where he was a Fall Star thanks to a .375/.457/.550 line over 92 additional plate appearances.
The brother of Cardinals centerfielder Michael Siani, the 37th overall pick in 2019 was left unprotected and unpicked in last year’s Rule 5 Draft, but the Philadelphia native hasn’t slowed down this spring at Pirate City. His above-average speed gives him the chance to play all three outfield spots, and he could put that and his improved offense on display as a Spring Breakout participant Friday against the Phillies.
“He’s put the work in, and there's momentum going,” Chernow said. “Now he has an opportunity to participate in this game against his hometown team. We wanted to reward that, and from our perspective, try and continue the momentum and see where this year goes.”
Sam Dykstra is a reporter for MiLB.com. Follow and interact with him on Twitter, @SamDykstraMiLB.
Zach Goodman Named Play-By-Play Broadcaster For 2025 Season
AMARILLO, TX. (February 27, 2025) – The Amarillo Sod Poodles, Double-A affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks, today announced that Zach Goodman will return for a second year in the radio booth. Following his first season as a broadcaster for a professional baseball organization, he now steps into the primary play-by-play
Sod Poodles Announce Partners for Community Spotlight Programs
AMARILLO, TX. (February 19, 2025) – The Amarillo Sod Poodles are proud to announce that Carpet Tech will serve as the official sponsor for the “Small Business Spotlight” program for another year to showcase local Amarillo small businesses throughout the 2025 season at HODGETOWN. Additionally, Tobacco Free Amarillo has been
AMARILLO INTRODUCES “YELLOW CITY PIGWEEDS” AS NEW ALTERNATE IDENTITY
AMARILLO, TX. (February 5, 2025) – The Amarillo Sod Poodles are excited to unveil the Yellow City Pigweeds as the Club’s new alternate identity for the 2025 season. With baseball season in the panhandle quickly approaching, the introduction of a new alternate brand enriches an already jam-packed HODGETOWN summer that
Single-Game Tickets for 2025 Season On Sale Now
AMARILLO, TX. (February 4, 2025) – Single-game tickets for the 2025 Amarillo Sod Poodles season are officially on sale now. With baseball season in the Texas panhandle right around the corner, fans can now explore individual seating options to plan their summer at the ballpark. The first chance for Amarillo
Sod Poodles Release 2025 Promo Schedule
AMARILLO, TX. (January 30, 2025) – The Amarillo Sod Poodles, Double-A affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks, are excited to announce the promotional schedule for the 2025 season. Following a three-game road series to open the regular season, the Sod Poodles are officially back at HODGETOWN on Tuesday, April 8th as
Sod Poodles to Host National Anthem Auditions
Performances Will be Heard on Saturday, March 8th AMARILLO, Texas (January 23, 2025) – The Amarillo Sod Poodles will be hosting public auditions for national anthem performances for the 2025 season on Saturday, March 8 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at HODGETOWN. Soloists, duets, and trios are invited to
Arizona Diamondbacks Announce Amarillo’s Full 2025 Field Staff
AMARILLO, Texas (January 14, 2025) – The Amarillo Sod Poodles, in partnership with the Arizona Diamondbacks, are thrilled to announce their on-field staff for the 2025 season. Javier Colina will return to Amarillo as the fourth manager in Sod Poodles franchise history. Alongside Colina is pitching coach Gaby Hernandez, hitting
Christmas in the Sky Returns with a Spectacular Twist!
AMARILLO, Texas – The OccuNet Company and Fairly Group are thrilled to invite everyone in the Amarillo community to the region's most festive Christmas extravaganza, the "Christmas In The Sky” celebration at HODGETOWN, home of the Amarillo Sod Poodles. This spectacular event is set to take place on Friday, December
Tim Tawa Named Texas League All-Star
Amarillo, Texas (September 24, 2024) – Today, Minor League Baseball announced League Awards and All-Star Teams for each of the three leagues in Double-A. Sod Poodles INF/OF Tim Tawa was named a Texas League All-Star as a utility player. He was the only Amarillo player to be voted an All-Star
Amarillo Erases Four Run Deficit to Beat Frisco
Amarillo, Texas (September 12, 2024) – The Sod Poodles took a 2-1 series lead over the Frisco RoughRiders with a 10-7 victory Thursday Night. Amarillo trailed 6-2 before scoring in their last four offensive frames to secure the comeback win. The bullpen gave up just one run in 5.1 innings
Lin Goes Eight Quality Innings in Loss to Frisco
Amarillo, Texas (September 11, 2024) – The Sod Poodles saw their final series of the year evened up at a game a piece with the Frisco RoughRiders taking a 3-1 win on Wednesday night. The Sod Poodles only run of the game came in the first inning and was unable
Giesting Spins Quality Start In Win Over Riders
Amarillo, Texas (September 10, 2024) – Amarillo earned a 5-1 win over the Frisco RoughRiders to begin the final series of the season. Los Pointy Boots de Amarillo were propelled by a Spencer Giesting quality start and a pair of home runs in the sixth inning gave the southpaw all
Eight Run Inning Lifts Sod Poodles Over Travs
Amarillo, Texas (August 28, 2024) – Trailing 5-1 entering the bottom of the seventh inning, Amarillo used an eight-run inning to complete their comeback bid on Wednesday night. They used another two runs in the eighth to fend off the Arkansas Travelers and earn an 11-6 win to even the
Vukovich Named Texas League POTW
Amarillo, Texas (August 26, 2024) – Today, Minor League Baseball announced Players and Pitchers of the Week for August 20-25 for all 11 leagues in Minor League Baseball still playing. Amarillo Outfielder A.J. Vukovich earned his second career Texas League Player of the Week award and first of the 2024
Offense Stays Hot in Route of Hooks
Amarillo, Texas (August 21, 2024) – Amarillo racked up 21 hits to match their single-game high in 2024 and muscled out four more home runs in a 13-1 win over Corpus Christi on Wednesday night. Spencer Giesting spun his third quality start with Amarillo en route to earning his third
Amarillo Slugs Their Way to Victory
Amarillo, Texas (August 20, 2024) – The Sod Poodles hit a season-high six home runs on Tuesday night to earn an 11-6 win over the Corpus Christi Hooks. Six different players got in on the action with the 2 through 7 hole hitters in the lineup all doing damage. Dylan
Yu-Min Lin Dominant in Sod Poodles Win
Amarillo, Texas (August 10, 2024) – The Amarillo Sod Poodles took a 3-2 series lead on Saturday night on the back of a stellar performance from Yu-Min Lin. The left-hander worked seven scoreless innings and the offense did just enough to earn a 2-1 win in front of a sell-out
Amarillo Lets Late Lead Slip Away
Amarillo, Texas (August 9, 2024) – Spencer Giesting's quality start and a five-run third inning were not enough for the Sod Poodles to hold off a late charge by the Naturals. Amarillo dropped the extra-inning game on Friday night 7-6, leaving the tying run on third in the bottom of
Ray's No-Hit Bid Leads the Way
Amarillo, Texas (August 8, 2024) – Dylan Ray took a no-hitter into the sixth inning as the Sod Poodles held on late for an 8-7 win Thursday night over Northwest Arkansas. Dylan Ray earned his first quality start of the season, giving up three runs across six innings. He retired
Soddies Blanked as Naturals Even Series
Amarillo, Texas (August 7, 2024) – The Sod Poodles and Naturals were locked in a pitcher's dual through the first six innings on Wednesday night. The two starting pitchers combined to allow just one run on six hits. The Naturals used a three-run top of the seventh to pull away
Roberts Plays Hero, Walks Off Naturals in Extras
Amarillo, Texas (August 6, 2024) – The Sod Poodles won a thriller on Tuesday night to take down the Naturals in the first game of the series. After trailing by two entering the bottom of the eighth, the Sod Poodles scored two over the final two innings to send the
Wind Surge Steal Christmas In July Win
Amarillo, Texas (July 26, 2024) – Amarillo and Wichita each finished with six hits for the game, but the Wind Surge made the most of theirs. Half of Wichita's hits went for extra bases, including a pair of homers to steal a 4-1 win over Amarillo on Friday night. Luke
Amarillo Holds Off Wichita for Fourth Straight Win
Amarillo, Texas (July 25, 2024) – The Amarillo Sod Poodles carried a shutout bid into the ninth inning and held off a late Wind Surge rally to win their fourth straight game. Three early runs were enough in a 3-2 win as the Sod Poodles have now taken the first
Sod Poodles Stave off Wichita Rally, Win Third Straight
Amarillo, Texas (July 24, 2024) – Seeing the game knotted up in the top of the eighth, Amarillo responded with four runs of their own to hold off a late Wichita Rally. Amarillo picked up their third straight win, taking down the Wichita Wind Surge 7-3 on Wednesday night. D-backs'
Sod Poodles Run Away From Wind Surge
Amarillo, Texas (July 23, 2024) – Amarillo put together one of their best all-around performances of the season in a 12-3 victory over the Wichita Wind Surge. Six different Sod Poodles had multi-hit games in the offensive explosion. A.J. Vukovich and Tim Tawa both finished one leg short of the