If you've been keeping an eye on Major League Baseball's rising stars, Konnor Griffin is a name that's hard to miss. As the top prospect in baseball, Griffin has already made waves by reaching Double-A at just 19. With his sights set on becoming the Pittsburgh Pirates' starting shortstop before hitting 20, his .941 OPS in his debut minor league season has fans buzzing about his potential.
White Sox fans, however, might be watching Griffin's rise with a tinge of regret. During the 2024 MLB draft, the team had a chance to snag Griffin with the ninth overall pick.
Instead, they opted for Arkansas lefty Hagen Smith, despite a pressing need for impact position players. Griffin, along with Jac Caglianone and J.J.
Wetherholt, was still on the board, making the decision even more surprising.
Fast forward a year and a half, and the early signs suggest the White Sox might have missed the mark. While neither Griffin nor Smith has made a big league appearance yet, Griffin's explosive performance, including a recent multi-homer game against the Red Sox, has only bolstered his stock. Meanwhile, Smith has struggled with control issues in his initial pro outings, though the White Sox remain hopeful for improvement.
Griffin's potential is undeniable, and even if Smith becomes a reliable part of the rotation, matching Griffin's superstar ceiling is a tall order. The decision to draft Smith seemed to align with the White Sox's comfort zone in developing pitchers, but with new player development hires like Ryan Fuller and Derek Shomon, the organization might have a different approach today.
While spring training and minor league stats aren't definitive, the signs point to a missed opportunity for the White Sox. Fans can only hope for Smith's success, but watching Griffin's power at the plate is a reminder of what could have been.
Looking ahead, the White Sox have the first overall pick this year, offering a chance to regroup and focus on talent acquisition. Konnor Griffin's exciting trajectory is one to watch, and for the White Sox, the goal is to ensure future drafts bring in players who can make a similar impact. Let's hope the decision to pass on Griffin doesn't linger as a regretful chapter for the franchise.