2024 MLB Draft: Analyzing the Pittsburgh Pirates' draft picks

The Pittsburgh Pirates added three new players to their system via the 2024 MLB Draft. They selected the first high school player off the board at No. 9 when they selected shortstop Konner Griffin from Jackson Prep in Mississippi. The Pirates had a compensatory pick in the first round and took high school right-handed pitcher Levi Sterling at No. 37. In the second round, they once again took a high school shortstop at No. 47 when they selected Wyatt Sanford. Here is a look at the three newest members of the Pirates organization.

Round 1, Pick 9: SS Konner Griffin, Jackson Prep High School (MS)

Konner Griffin is said to have one of the highest ceilings in this draft class. He is 6-foot-4 and 210 pounds and can absolutely fly. He had 85 stolen bases last season in only 43 games and struck out only 10 times in 118 at bats. He was a two-way star in high school but projects as a hitter through the minor leagues. The Pirates who lack outfield depth could see Griffin as a future centerfielder with his speed and athleticism. Griffin has committed to LSU, so the Pirates did not take a player that you would consider under slot value. 

Draft Nation Take:

The upside of Konnor Griffin is undeniable and he could become the future center fielder down the road. He also could be your future shortstop if the 6-foot-7 O’Neil Cruz struggles with staying healthy in the future. Draft Nation liked Braden Montgomery at this pick and thinks that Montgomery could have been here sooner to help fill a huge void in the Pirates lineup. 

Konner Griffin’s Projected Scouting Grades:

Hitting: 50

Power: 60

Run: 70

Fielding: 60

Arm: 60

Compensatory Pick (37): RHP Levi Sterling, Notre Dame HS (CA)

Sterling is a 6-foot-5, 202 pound right-hander who has an electric fastball and a nasty changeup. He was a two-way star in high school, playing shortstop as well as pitching. Sterling had a 2.64 ERA in 45.1 innings, striking out 55 while walking 16 hitters. 

His fastball touches 94 but usually sits at around 92-mph with a good aggressive ride to it. He does an effective job of spinning the ball as well, throwing an 80+ curveball with a mid-80’s sweeper. His changeup has gotten better over the past season but still needs some tinkering before you can call it a legitimate fourth pitch. Many scouts believe his pitching has huge upside, especially if hitting is no longer in the picture. He has been hitting daily and pitching once a week and fatigue could be seen by year’s end.

Draft Nation Take:

Sterling has committed to Texas, so Pittsburgh will have to entice Sterling enough for him to pass on his college eligibility. The organization has seen its top pitching prospects start to climb the ladder, so drafting a youngster with Sterling’s upside will be fun watching grow over the next several seasons. 

Levi Sterling’s Projected Scouting Grades:

Fastball: 55

Curveball: 55

Slider: 55

Changeup: 55

Control: 60

Round 2, Pick 47: SS Wyatt Sanford, Independence HS (TX)

Sanford is arguably the best defensive shortstop in this year’s class. Sanford stands at 6-foot-1 and 175 pounds and hits left-handed. His speed benefits him in the field and on the basepaths. His hit tools are still behind where he is with his glove and his projection is still a little hazy with how he will develop in the professional ranks.

His father Chance was drafted by the Pirates in the 27th round of the 1992 MLB draft. Sanford is committed to Texas A&M but with head coach Jim Schlossnagle leaving for Texas and a potential pick value of around $2 million, might convince him to join the Pirates organization.

Draft Nation’s Take:

Another high school player with some upside, Sanford is going to have to improve his hitting tools or he will just be a defensive shortstop with little pop. The team may have question marks down the road with Cruz and if he is able to continue playing the position as he closes in on 30-years of age. He is an excellent contact hitter who should be able to gain strength as he continues to grow.

Wyatt Sanford’s Projected Scouting Grades:

Hit: 50

Power: 40

Run: 60

Fielding: 60

Arm: 55

Overall on day one the Pirates selected three high school players with upside who will strengthen the overall depth in the organization. On the downside, these players are all several years away and may not be able to contribute to the core of players the team has now.