How Konnor Griffin has already tried to expedite Derek Curiel’s path to the Majors

CINCINNATI — As he prepared for his first professional hacks earlier this week at PNC Park, Derek Curiel chatted with home clubhouse manager Kiere Bulls, who asked what the No. 5 overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft needed for batting practice.

When the conversation concluded, Curiel rejoined his tour guide for the next part of his Pirates acclimatization process — Konnor Griffin, the 20-year-old who acts like he’s 35, a player who was in a similar spot just a few years back.

“I kinda wish I had a guy like that when I got drafted to be comfortable around,” Griffin said. “I just tried to make it as welcoming as it could have been for him.”

The liaising Griffin did for Curiel further reinforces Griffin’s role within the organization, as well as the type of person he tries to be off the field: considerate and understanding, a good teammate and someone who can help unite a clubhouse.

The public saw Griffin taking Curiel to the Roberto Clemente Museum, which they both loved. But their relationship runs much, much deeper than a drive over to Lawrenceville.

They played together with U-18 Team USA, Griffin starring in center field and Curiel in right. They not only planned to attend LSU together — before Griffin was taken ninth overall and signed with the Pirates — but they were going to be roommates.

Griffin and Curiel are both deeply religious and don’t have much use for parties.

“That was the plan,” Griffin said of potentially living with Curiel. “We were gonna try and stay away from the college stuff. Especially being at LSU, it’s known for being a party school. We were gonna try and stick together and continue to live by our faith.

“Didn’t get to room together, but it’s cool how it all comes back together.”

Griffin has played just 59 MLB games, but you’d never know it by talking to him or observing his actions.

For example, Griffin was one of the first ones in the press conference room at PNC Park when Curiel was formally introduced on Sunday morning.

Behind the scenes, he also joked with Curiel and made sure he felt comfortable, ate with him and walked him through how the Pirates use the Trajekt machine, which mirrors MLB pitching.

As Curiel bounced between activities — ping pong with Jared Jones, observing a hitters’ meeting, chatting baserunning with first-base coach Tarrik Brock — Griffin made the necessary introductions and ensured the Pirates weren’t throwing too much at once at Curiel.

Who, by the way, is a year older than Griffin.

“It didn’t feel weird at all,” Griffin said. “I call Pittsburgh home now, so I feel like I know the reins of it a little bit. It was fun.”

"Super grateful for my guy Konnor to be here,” Curiel added. “It's been great having him in my corner.”

At one point during what was essentially about a week together, Griffin sat down with Curiel and had an extensive discussion about development, the Pirates shortstop sharing his experience and also offering some important advice.

Zooming through the Minor Leagues isn’t normal, Griffin told Curiel. But you’ll be amazed at how much you can learn in a short period of time.

Though he’s become a big handwritten note-taker in the Major Leagues, mostly as a way to stay present, Griffin said for this conversation he relied on mental notes. But he didn’t hold back.

“I just told him to take it one step at a time,” Griffin said. “I walked him through how many adjustments I had to make last year. It was cool for me to go back through it with him.

“It’s gonna be fun to see him do his thing. He’s gonna be great for our organization.”

Griffin genuinely enjoyed re-living his 2025 season, which included a .333 average and .941 OPS across three levels.

That required Griffin to be nimble instead of stubborn, things he emphasized to Curiel he should understand and accept along his own journey.

“I had like four major swing changes last year,” Griffin said. “I started out kinda stiff, found some rhythm. Then I got to the point where I was crashing too much on my front side. I went to a no-stride deal.

“It calmed me down, got back to my leg kick, then ended the year with a really athletic swing with a lot of rhythm. That’s what I was able to come into this year with, but again I had to make adjustments like I did last year.”

Looking back, it felt like a whirlwind for Griffin, though he obviously processed it all fine. In an elite way, really.

Griffin sees that same ability in Curiel, who he described as “a very open personality” and someone Griffin tried to say is the better of the two interacting with people.

“I told him, ‘You’re gonna learn so much within the next year, it’s gonna be crazy.’ Enjoy that,” Griffin said. “Don’t be scared to have change and be open-minded and try things.”

The fact that Griffin debuted so young and has been so good this early in his career technically isn’t common. It probably shouldn’t happen twice in three years.

But it sure seems like Griffin and Curiel will do everything in their power to push the envelope.

The day after Curiel hit on the field in Pittsburgh, he flew to Pirate City to officially start his career in professional baseball.

He’ll inevitably encounter struggles, but when those happen, Curiel can rely on some solid advice from his almost roommate.

“He’s a high-energy player,” Griffin said of Curiel. “Has five tools. Little bit of Jake Mangum-style hitting to him with pop. It’s gonna be fun to watch him hit for a high average and have some homers in there, too.

“It’s gonna be a great year for him in the Minors, just trying to get a feel for everything and making adjustments. He’ll be up here quick.”

Jason Mackey: Jason.Mackey@pirates.com and @JMackey_PGH on X.