The 19-year-old told reporters after the game that he is starting to feel more comfortable. Griffin has a .214 batting average this spring.
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“I felt very comfortable,” Griffin said. “I’m really working on staying present, taking each game one game at a time. I’m enjoying where I am right now, but I still have to keep working and prepare to come back tomorrow.”
Griffin learns quickly. After reclassifying a year to challenge himself in high school. He was selected with the No. 9 pick in the 2024 draft out of Jackson High School in Mississippi. Last year, he spent time at Low-A, High-A and Double-A. Griffin finished with splits of 338/.396/.536 in Low-A and hit .325/.432/.510 in High-A and .337/.418/.542 in Double-A.Griffin is expected to begin the season in Double-A, where he only played 21 games last season. At 6′ 3″, 222 pounds, Griffin has big expectations. Keith Law of The Athletic called Griffin the most exciting prospect in the minors since Mike Trout and Jeff Passan of ESPN called him the next teenage superstar.
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Despite the comparisons and instant success of the Pirates with young superstar pitcher Paul Skenes, manager Don Kelly has attempted to take pressure off the expectations placed on Griffin.
“We have to keep in mind that he’s 19 years old,” Kelly told reporters. “It’s about continuing to push him, allowing him to be himself and play freely.”
With limited options for a sure-fire bat in the Pirates’ offense, Griffin could be a young option if he is called up to the major league roster.