Here’s my in-depth look at one hitter and one pitcher in Minor League Baseball who are putting up some eye-catching numbers, and performances, who could be knocking at their respective organizations’ big league door in the very near future.
Konnor Griffin, OF, PIT
Thankfully, help is coming for the Pittsburgh Pirates and their anemic offense. Phenom outfielder Konnor Griffin has risen all the way to the top of MLB.com’s top 100 list in July. The 2024 first-round draft pick is a true five-tool talent with legitimate major-league power (he has a 60-out-of-80 power grade at MLB.com and a 50-out-of-65 grade from JustBaseball.com), speed (60 grade from MLB.com and 70-out-of-70 grade from Just Baseball), and arm strength (70 grade from MLB).
Griffin’s 6’4, 225lb frame makes it easy to envision the future star blasting baseballs out of PNC Park. While the prospect once had an inefficient swing, he has made tangible adjustments this year to optimize his mechanics. This has led to an upgrade in his average and exit velocities, particularly against fastballs.
The future star has posted a batting average of .332 while hitting 13 homers, stealing 46 bases, and maintaining a .407 OBP across .389 minor league plate appearances in 2025. The 19-year-old is poised to quickly advance through the Pirates’ farm system as his stock continues to climb.
In many ways, Griffin mirrors current Pirates outfielder O’Neil Cruz. The 6’7″, 240lb star is on pace for his first 30-homer, 40-steal season in 2025. While Griffin’s hit tool is already further along than Cruz’s, both share a unique power and speed combination for athletes of their size and stature.
Cruz and Griffin have real potential to become only the third set of teammates to ever hit 30 homers and steal 30 bases in the same season, joining New York Mets stars Darryl Strawberry and Howard Johnson (1987) and Colorado Rockies players Ellis Burks and Dante Bichette (1996).
Honorable Mentions: Spencer Jones (NYY), Luis Peña (MIL), Kevin McGonigle (DET), Jesus Made (MIL), Alfredo Duno (CIN)
Thomas White, SP, MIA
The Miami Marlins’ baseball club is famous for two things:
All signs point to Thomas White joining talents like Eury Perez, Sandy Alcantara, Zac Gallen, Jose Fernandez, Josh Johnson, Josh Beckett, and so many more as Marlins’ aces. Widely believed to be the best left-handed pitching prospect in baseball, the 20-year-old star is poised to make his MLB debut as early as next season.
White features a wicked pitch mix. His fastball was graded a 60 out of 60 by Just Baseball. By the same metric, his slider was given a 55-out-of-55 grade, and his change-up a 60-out-60 grade. His fastball currently tops out at 98mph with good carry. The extension he leverages from his lanky 6’5″ frame also adds value to his pitch.
This, combined with a low-to-mid-80s changeup and upper-70s curveball (with 14 inches of horizontal break), gives opposing hitters fits. His ability to drastically change speeds with three plus pitches projects well as he continues to inch closer to his major league debut.
The 2023 first-round pick has already climbed as high as 22nd on MLB.com’s top 100 prospects list. If he continues at his current pace, he has the ceiling to quickly challenge budding star Eury Perez for the title of Marlins’ ace.
Honorable Mentions: Jonah Tong (NYM), Gage Jump (ATH), Nolan McLean (NYM), Mick Abel (MIN), Luis Morales (ATH)
Allen Settle is an MLB writer who has never given up on his passion for the beautiful game of baseball! He has worked as a beat writer/contributor for the Fansided network, covering both the New York Mets and the Miami Marlins. Currently, Allen is a prospect writer at Prospects1500 and a general MLB writer at YardBarker.com. Allen is also a member of the IBWAA and a regular to their newsletter, Here's the Pitch.
- T Allen Settle
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