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.
$3.14 Tickets Available for Pi Day, March 14th
- To Purchase Pi Day Tickets for Friday, April 4th -- CLICK HERE
- To Purchase Pi Day Tickets for Saturday, April 5th -- CLICK HERE
- To Purchase Pi Day Tickets for Sunday, April 6th -- CLICK HERE Friday is March 14th...other wise known as 3/14...also known as Pi
12 Former Cyclones To Represent Mets In 2025 Spring Breakout
CONEY ISLAND, BROOKLYN, N.Y. (March 6, 2025) — On Thursday, the New York Mets announced their roster for the second annual Spring Breakout game scheduled against the Washington Nationals at CATCI Park of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach, Fla., on Sunday, March 16, at 5:05 p.m. ET. The
Gilbert Gómez Returns as Manager to Head Cyclones’ 2025 Coaching Staff
CONEY ISLAND, BROOKLYN, N.Y. (February 5, 2025) — The Brooklyn Cyclones, in collaboration with the New York Mets, unveiled their 2025 coaching staff on Wednesday. Gilbert Gómez will return for his second season as Cyclones manager when the season kicks off on Friday, April 4, at Maimonides Park. Gómez enters
Coach Kevin Chronicles: Get Ready for Little League Season
Kevin Mahoney (Coach Kevin) is the General Manager of the Brooklyn Cyclones and a member of the Board of Directors for Oceanside Little League with nearly two decades worth of youth baseball coaching experience. He will be sharing his expertise in the Coach Kevin Chronicles over the coming weeks as
Surf Squad Auditions Set for Saturday, February 8th
- To Sign Up for Auditions -- CLICK HERE We are looking for fun-loving, energetic, personable and enthusiastic people to be a part of our on-field entertainment crew. You will be the first face people see when they enter the ballpark and the last face they see on the way
New Videoboard Coming to Maimonides Park for 2025 Season
The Brooklyn Cyclones and Diamond Baseball Holdings have announced that Maimonides Park will have a brand-new, state-of-the-art videoboard installed for the 2025 season. The existing board was updated prior to the start of the 2011 season and featured 480 square feet of video board space. The new board, which will
Six Former Cyclones Selected in the 2024 Rule V Draft
DALLAS, TX (December 11, 2001) – On the final day of Major League Baseball’s Winter Meetings, the Mets lost nine players as part of the Rule V Draft, including six former Cyclones. RHP Mike Vasil, LHP Nathan Lavender, RHP Nolan Clenney, RHP Jawilme Ramirez, INF Junior Tilien and C Drake
Syracuse Mets & Brooklyn Cyclones Enter Next Chapter Under New Ownership, Diamond Baseball Holdings
NEW YORK, NY (December 10, 2024) – Diamond Baseball Holdings (DBH), an organization that owns and operates select minor league clubs affiliated with Major League Baseball (MLB), today announced it has entered into an agreement with affiliates of Cohen Private Ventures to purchase the Syracuse Mets and Brooklyn Cyclones. The
Join us for Breakfast with Santa - Sunday, December 22nd
- To Purchase Tickets -- CLICK HERE You better watch out, you better not cry, better not pout, I'm telling you why...Santa Claus is coming to town! Join us on Sunday, December 22nd for Breakfast with Santa at Maimonides Park starting at 10 AM. Tickets are $20 per person (all
Garage Sale Set of Sunday, November 10th at Maimonides Park
Join us on Sunday, November 10th for our annual Garage Sale. It's a great way to stock up on promo items like bobbleheads and caps, game worn gear, and more. The event is CASH ONLY. Items will not be shipped and you need to claim them in person the day
Six Former Cyclones To Represent Mets In Arizona Fall League
CONEY ISLAND, BROOKLYN, N.Y. (September 25, 2024) — Major League Baseball (MLB) has announced the rosters and coaching staffs for the 2024 Arizona Fall League (AFL), which begins on Monday, October 7, and concludes with the championship game on Saturday, November 16. Six Brooklyn Cyclones alumni — RHP Saúl García,
Nick Morabito and Brandon Sproat Named Mets Organizational Pitcher and Player of the Year for 2024 Season
FLUSHING, N.Y., September 20, 2024 – The New York Mets today announced the 2024 Player Development Award winners. Outfielder Nick Morabito was named the organization's Player of the Year and RHP Brandon Sproat was named Pitcher of the Year. Outfielder Edward Lantigua was named DSL Player of the Year and
Nick Morabito Named to South Atlantic League All-Star Team
September 19, 2024 – Minor League Baseball has announced their High-A All-Stars for the 2024 season and Nick Morabito was selected to the South Atlantic League team. The 21-year-old hit .294 (111-377) in 95 games with the Cyclones while collecting 15 doubles, three triples, three home runs, 22 RBI and
Cyclones Wrap Up 2024 With 21 Players Promoted
BROOKLYN, N.Y. - The Brooklyn Cyclones concluded a busy 2024 campaign on Sunday afternoon at 65-67. Although Brooklyn did not qualify for a spot in the South Atlantic League Postseason, the season still featured numerous outstanding accomplishments and achievements. All told, Brooklyn sent 21 players up to higher levels of
Baro Blasts Three Extra Base Hits as Cyclones Down Blue Rocks, 5-4, on Season’s Final Day
- BOX SCORE BROOKLYN, N.Y. (September 8, 2024) -- Thanks to a go-ahead RBI base hit from 2B Kevin Villavicencio in the bottom of the eighth inning, combined with three extra base hits from 3B Boston Baro, the Brooklyn Cyclones defeated the Wilmington Blue Rocks, 5-4, on the final day
Cyclones Can’t Push Past Wilmington, Fall 7-3
- BOX SCORE BROOKLYN, N.Y. - Despite a two-run blast from C Chris Suero - his seventh High-A home run of the season - the Brooklyn Cyclones were topped by the Wilmington Blue Rocks on Saturday night on Coney Island, 7-3. Suero’s long ball pulled Brooklyn even in the third
Game Status for Saturday, September 7th
We will update the status of the game scheduled for Saturday, September 7th at 6:00 PM here: - As of 4:00 PM - while it is not currently raining on Coney Island, we do expect rain to come through the area prior to our scheduled 6:00 PM first pitch. It
Morabito Breaks Cyclones Single-Season Hits Record & Wenninger Punches 10 as Brooklyn Downs Wilmington, 3-1
BOX SCORE BROOKLYN, N.Y. - OF Nick Morabito (110) surpassed J.T. Schwartz atop the list of hits in a single-season in Brooklyn Cyclones franchise history in a 3-1 win over Wilmington on Friday night. The 2022 Mets 2nd rounder broke the record with a double on a line drive to
Cyclones Bested by Blue Rocks, 8-4
BOX SCORE BROOKLYN, N.Y. - The Brooklyn Cyclones were topped by the Wilmington Blue Rocks on Thursday night, 8-4. The victory marks Brooklyn’s first loss of the series, after shutting out Wilmington in each of the first two games. Brooklyn pitchers saw their consecutive scoreless inning streak come to an
Cyclones Arms Twirl Franchise-Record 14th Shutout in 1-0 Victory Over Wilmington
BOX SCORE BROOKLYN, N.Y. - Behind another night of stellar pitching, the Brooklyn Cyclones shutout the Wilmington Blue Rocks for a second straight night, this time by a score of 1-0. RHP Saul García dazzled in his 2024 High-A debut, tossing five scoreless innings while registering seven strikeouts and walking
Suero’s Solo Shot Helps Brooklyn Surge to Franchise Record 13th Shutout & Series-Opening Win over Wilmington, 6-0
BOX SCORE BROOKLYN, N.Y. - Behind a three hit night - including a solo home run - from C Chris Suero, the Brooklyn Cyclones defeated the Wilmington Blue Rocks, 6-0, on Tuesday night. The win marks Brooklyn’s 13th shutout victory of the season, extending their franchise record.
Cyclones Use Six-Run Seventh To Down Dash In Road Finale
• BOX SCORE WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (September 1, 2024) — After being held scoreless through six innings and seeing 17 straight batters retired at one point, Brooklyn’s offense exploded for six runs and eight hits in the seventh inning to down the Winston-Salem Dash, 6-2, on Sunday night from Truist Stadium.
Brooklyn Bested By Winston-Salem In Walk-Off, Seesaw Affair
• BOX SCORE WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (August 31, 2024) — DH Nick Morabito tallied a pair of hits and RBI, adding a stolen base, but 3B Wes Kath’s walk-off two-run home run helped the Winston-Salem Dash outlast the Brooklyn Cyclones, 9-8, on Saturday night at Truist Stadium. Brooklyn (27-32, 60-65) jumped
Brooklyn Scores Five In First, Batters Winston-Salem, 9-2
• BOX SCORE WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (August 30, 2024) — SS William Lugo registered a single, a double, a two-run home run, and scored four times, as the Brooklyn Cyclones used a five-run first inning to bludgeon the Winston-Salem Dash, 9-2, on Friday night from Truist Stadium. CF Nick Morabito started
Brooklyn Can't Wiggle Past Winston-Salem In Extras
• BOX SCORE WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (August 29, 2024) — RF Nick Morabito became the fifth Cyclone in franchise history to register 100 or more hits in a single season with a multi-hit night, but Brooklyn could not extend their road winning streak to seven. The Winston-Salem Dash won the seesaw