Jackson Prep’s Konnor Griffin is being projected as the first high school player to be selected in this summer’s MLB Draft.
Griffin, who just finished his final season with the Patriots, played both shortstop and pitcher as he led the private school program to its seventh consecutive state title. On the year, he had a .559 batting average with nine home runs and 39 RBI while going a perfect 10-0 on the mound with a 0.72 earned run average.
In its latest mock draft released Thursday, Bleacher Report had Griffin going No. 5 overall to the Chicago White Sox. The four projected picks before Griffin are made up of players from the college level: Travis Bazzana (Oregon State), Charlie Condon (Georgia), Jac Caglianone (Florida), and Nick Kurtz (Wake Forest).
“On the precipice of a full-scale rebuild and limited to picking no higher than 10th in next year’s draft under the new CBA rules, the White Sox should swing for the fence on a high upscale pick,” Joel Reuter wrote.
Reuter went on to note that Griffin’s ability to hit for power complemented by his baserunning ability (85 stolen bases as a senior) makes him an ideal prospect. Being only 18 years old could be what seals the deal for the White Sox, who currently have the worst record in the MLB and are in desperate need of a rebuild.
“Griffin offers one of the highest ceilings in this draft thanks to his elite athleticism, and he possesses a 60-power, 65-speed offensive profile that speaks to his overflowing toolbox,” Reuter continued. “He reclassified from the 2025 draft class and just turned 18 in April, which only further adds to his upside.”
While Griffin is currently committed to LSU, the No. 5 pick is expected to come with a contract worth at least $7.7 million. That would be hard to turn down, no matter how much the Tigers are offering in NIL money.
The 2024 MLB Draft will be held July 14-16 during All-Star Week in Dallas.
