The Pittsburgh Pirates today named Konnor Griffin the organization’s Bill Mazeroski Defender of the Year. The announcement was made by Director of Coaching and Player Development Michael Chernow.
The 19-year-old Griffin made just seven errors in 757.0 innings at shortstop in 89 appearances (88 starts) across three levels in his first professional season in 2025. He also made 15 appearances (all starts) in center field between Low-A Bradenton, High-A Greensboro and Double-A Altoona, where he did not commit an error in 129.0 innings (40 total chances).
Griffin is currently rated by both Baseball America and MLB Pipeline as the No. 1 prospect in baseball. He was named Baseball America’s Minor League Player of the Year, becoming the second Pirates farmhand to win the award, along with pitcher Mike Bielecki (1984). He became one of five players to be recognized as both Baseball America’s High School Player of the Year and Minor League Player of the Year, joining Joe Mauer, Byron Buxton, Bobby Witt Jr. and Jackson Holliday.
Griffin, who was selected ninth overall by the Pirates in the 2024 First-Year Player Draft out of Jackson Preparatory School in Flowood, Mississippi, entered 2025 as the No. 57 prospect in the game, according to Baseball America. He was also tabbed by Baseball America as the “Best Athlete” and “Best Defensive Outfielder” among the 2024 high-school draft class.