Pirates' Konnor Griffin gives back to his high school

Pittsburgh Pirates prospect Konnor Griffin spent part of the offseason in Mississippi and gifted sunglasses to his former high school teammates; he heads into his second professional season after a standout minor league year.

Konnor Griffin has been spending time in Mississippi during the offseason and made a gesture to his former high school by gifting each player a new pair of sunglasses. Griffin was the Pirates' ninth overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft out of Jackson Preparatory School and signed for $6.5 million. He moved quickly through the Pirates' minor league system last season and earned wide recognition as a top prospect. The team has reportedly discussed him as an option for their 2026 Opening Day lineup. Key facts: - Griffin gifted sunglasses to each member of his high school team during the offseason. - He was selected ninth overall in the 2024 draft out of Jackson Preparatory School and signed for $6.5 million. - As a senior in high school, he hit .559 and helped Jackson Prep win state and tournament titles. - Griffin advanced from Single-A Bradenton to High-A Greensboro and finished the season at Double-A Altoona. He also played in the All-Star Futures Game. - He led all of minor league baseball with 117 runs scored and completed a 20-40 season with 21 home runs and 65 stolen bases, drawing several prospect honors. - Griffin received awards including Baseball America’s Minor League Player of the Year and an MiLB Gold Glove, and outlets named him a top prospect. Summary: Griffin's offseason visit and the gift to his high school underline his continued ties to Jackson Prep as he prepares for a pivotal second professional season. He enters 2026 with strong minor league credentials and prospect recognition, and the possibility of joining the Pirates' big-league roster is being discussed.