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.
Wind Surge Announce 2025 Front Office, Including Promotions and New Additions
WICHITA, Kan.—The Wichita Wind Surge is delighted to announce its front office staff less than a month before the start of the 2025 season. The Wind Surge return several key staff members from previous seasons and welcome some new faces. “We are excited about the front office staff we have
Wind Surge to Host College Baseball in March
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 3, 2025 Wind Surge to Host College Baseball in March Kansas Jayhawks to make their Equity Bank Park DebutWICHITA, Kansas – The University of Kansas baseball program will play a pair of Saturday games at Equity Bank Park this March. The Jayhawks will play the University
Wind Surge to Hold Job Fair on February 8th
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 28, 2025 Wind Surge to Hold Job Fair on February 8 Club seeks candidates for seasonal positions WICHITA, Kansas – The Wichita Wind Surge are pleased to announce that they are now accepting applications for employment for the upcoming season which runs from April through September.
Wind Surge Announce 2025 Coaching Staff
Wind Surge Announce 2025 coaching staff Dinkelman to take over as second manager in franchise history WICHITA, Kansas – The Minnesota Twins announced their 2025 Minor League coaching staffs, including the staff for their Double-A affiliate the Wichita Wind Surge. Brian Dinkelman will take the helm as manager of the
Riverfront Stadium to be Renamed Equity Bank Park
Riverfront Stadium to be Renamed Equity Bank Park Wichita Wind Surge, Alongside Owner Diamond Baseball Holdings, Enter into Long-Term Partnership with Locally Headquartered Equity Bank WICHITA, Kansas – The Wichita Wind Surge, alongside owner/ operator Diamond Baseball Holdings (DBH), are excited to announce that they have entered into a long-term
Wind Surge Announce Jay Miller's Retirement
WICHITA, Kansas –Wichita Wind Surge Team President Jay Miller has announced his retirement from professional baseball after an illustrious 42 year career. Miller began his second stint as President of the Wind Surge in January of 2023 following the team’s sale to Diamond Baseball Holdings. Under his leadership, the team
Minnesota Twins promote Wind Surge Manager Ramon Borrego
WICHITA, Kansas – The Minnesota Twins announced Ramon Borrego has been elevated to the Major League Coaching staff as their first base coach. Borrego has managed the Wind Surge since their inaugural season in 2021, compiling 269 wins over four seasons. He led the Surge to a pair of division
Wind Surge Clubhouse Managers Win MiLB Home and Visiting Manager of the Year Award
Minor League Baseball™ (MiLB™) today announced the winners of the Home and Visiting Clubhouse Manager of the Year Awards for each of the full season Minor Leagues. The winners were selected using the results of surveys of league managers, players and executives throughout the 2024 season. The Wichita Wind Surge
Wind Surge Victorious In Final Game Of 2024 Season
WICHITA, Kan.—The Wichita Wind Surge ended the regular season on top 4-2 over the Tulsa Drillers at Riverfront Stadium. Wichita combined for 10 hits in the season finale. C.J. Culpepper struck out five batters over as many innings in his final start of the season for the Wind Surge. He
Wind Surge Upended Late By Drillers
WICHITA, Kan.—The Wichita Wind Surge fell in come-from-behind fashion 3-2 versus the Tulsa Drillers at Riverfront Stadium. Tulsa scored all three of their runs in the final three innings to come away with the win. Pierson Ohl struck out five across six innings of six-hit baseball tonight. In his final
Wichita Round Out Friday Night As Victors Over Tulsa By Eight-Run Margin
WICHITA, Kan.—The Wichita Wind Surge energized a 9-1 win over the Tulsa Drillers behind a large crowd at Riverfront Stadium. Wichita scored multiple runs in three frames, sparred by a four-run second, to gather their first win of the series. Alex Isola floated a run-scoring single into shallow right field
Wind Surge Blanked By Drillers On Final Thursday Night Game Of The Season
WICHITA, Kan.—The Wichita Wind Surge got shut out 5-0 by the Tulsa Drillers at Riverfront Stadium. After the win, The Wind Surge officially yielded the Propellor Series to the Drillers with the final three games of the season remaining. Cory Lewis averaged one strikeout per frame through six in his
Wichita Fall Into Five-Run Tulsa Hole, Can’t Climb Out In Loss
WICHITA, Kan.—The Wichita Wind Surge lost 5-3 to the Tulsa Drillers at Riverfront Stadium. The Drillers scored all five of their runs in the fourth inning, which was enough despite a pair scoring for Wichita in the ninth. Tulsa batted around and plated five runs in the top of the
Wind Surge Lose Series Opener Against Drillers
WICHITA, Kan.—The Wichita Wind Surge narrowly dropped a 5-4 series opener to the Tulsa Drillers at Riverfront Stadium. Minnesota’s top prospect, Walker Jenkins, made his Double-A debut as the leadoff-hitting centerfielder in the final Tuesday game of the season. Bubba Alleyne left the yard out to left field on the
Week 23 - Tulsa #4 Series Preview
SERIES INFO For the final series of the 2024 Texas League Regular Season, the Wichita Wind Surge (25-38, 56-76) hosts the Tulsa Drillers (25-37, 59-72) to wrap up the Propellor Series at Riverfront Stadium. The Drillers lead the season series 10-8 and can secure the Propellor outright for the third
Wichita Prevail In 10 Innings Over Frisco In Final Road Game Of The Season
FRISCO, Texas—The Wichita Wind Surge came out on top 4-2 in 10 innings in the series finale over the Frisco RoughRiders at Riders Field. The Wichita bullpen combined to no-hit the RoughRiders over the final five innings with eight strikeouts in the team’s final road contest of the season. After
Wind Surge Shut Out By RoughRiders, Jacob deGrom On Saturday Night
FRISCO, Texas—The Wichita Wind Surge got shut out 1-0 by the Frisco RoughRiders at Riders Field. With the loss, which was the sixth time the Wind Surge have been shut out this season, the RoughRiders officially take the series. Alejandro Osuna lasered a solo home run, his seventh of the
Wichita Strikes First, Can’t Answer Frisco In Close Loss
FRISCO, Texas—The Wichita Wind Surge fell 2-1 to the Frisco RoughRiders at Riders Field. Wichita scored first in the third and, despite stellar pitching, could not deliver a tying man to the plate in their final three innings worth of tries. Jorel Ortega jumped on the first pitch of the
Wind Surge Ride Momentum Of Five-Run Frame Into Win Over RoughRiders
FRISCO, Texas—The Wichita Wind Surge turned a five-run third inning into a 6-4 win against the Frisco RoughRiders at Riders Field. The Wind Surge scored their runs on as many hits to get back in the W column. Frisco put up two runs on a groundout and a Cooper Johnson
DaShawn Keirsey Jr. Becomes 34th Wind Surge Player Promoted To MLB, Second This September
WICHITA, Kan.—Five days into September, there will already be a pair of Wind Surge alums who have leaped up to the Major League ranks with the Minnesota Twins. The latter of the duo is DaShawn Keirsey Jr., who becomes the 34th Wichita player to make the big leagues and the
Wichita Kept Quiet By Frisco Pitching In Second Game Of Series
FRISCO, Texas—The Wichita Wind Surge came up short 2-1 against the Frisco RoughRiders at Riders Field. After the day off after the Labor Day series opener, pitching remained exceptional for both ends, combining 23 total strikeouts. Andrew Cossetti looped an RBI single into shallow right field after it bounced out
Wind Surge Cede Labor Day Series Opener To RoughRiders In Extras
FRISCO, Texas—The Wichita Wind Surge were walked off 3-2 in 11 innings by the Frisco RoughRiders at Riders Field. The contest served as the premier game played by the Wind Surge on Labor Day in team history and the fourth ever for them to take place on a Monday. After
Wichita Fights Back, Falls Short In Series Finale Against Springfield
WICHITA, Kan.—The Wichita Wind Surge lost 5-2 in their final regular season contest opposite the Springfield Cardinals at Riverfront Stadium. The Wind Surge split the series with the Cardinals to wrap up their penultimate homestand in 2024. Pierson Ohl had a steadfast first start since returning from injury in the
Wind Surge Keep The Bats Going In Second Straight Win Against Cardinals
WICHITA, Kan.—The Wichita Wind Surge put together another 6-1 win over the Springfield Cardinals at Riverfront Stadium. Wichita outhit Springfield 12-3 throughout the contest, with every man who came to the plate for the hosts recording a hit. After a leadoff single and a hit and run put men on
Wichita Makes Everything Look Easy On The Diamond In Win Over Springfield
WICHITA, Kan.—The Wichita Wind Surge gathered a 6-1 win over the Springfield Cardinals at Riverfront Stadium. While scoring all six of their runs in the middle innings, the piggyback role worked to perfection in the contest, which evened the series 2-2. Matt Lloyd swiftly slotted a single the other way