Just a month into his professional career, New York Yankees pitching prospect Griffin Herring is already turning heads. The 21-year-old left-hander has made a seamless transition from college reliever to pro starter, and his stellar debut has earned him the Florida State League Pitcher of the Month award for April.
Herring, selected by the Yankees in the sixth round (No. 181 overall) of the 2023 MLB Draft, didn’t pitch immediately after being drafted. Instead, the organization opted to give him some rest following a long college season. At LSU, Herring was part of a powerhouse team that made a deep run in the NCAA Tournament, culminating in a national title at the Men’s College World Series. That Tigers squad featured the top two picks in the 2023 MLB Draft — Paul Skenes and Dylan Crews — and leaned on Herring as a key bullpen weapon.
During his junior season at LSU, Herring posted a 5-2 record with a 3.93 ERA across 18 appearances. He recorded 41 strikeouts and 19 walks in 34.1 innings and notched two saves. One of his most memorable outings came during the MCWS when he threw 4.2 scoreless innings against Wake Forest, allowing just three hits and one walk while striking out six — a career high at the time.
Now with the Yankees’ Class A affiliate, the Tampa Tarpons, Herring has quickly adapted to life as a starter. Through five starts, he boasts a 3-1 record with a jaw-dropping 0.60 ERA. In 30 innings, he has racked up 39 strikeouts while issuing just 10 walks. Opposing batters are hitting a meager .160 against him, and he has an impressive 0.90 WHIP.
His best performance to date came two weeks ago against the Dunedin Blue Jays, when he threw seven scoreless innings. In that outing, he allowed only two hits and three walks while striking out six, showcasing both command and poise on the mound.
Earlier in the month, Herring was named the Florida State League Pitcher of the Week, a precursor to his Pitcher of the Month accolade. His early dominance is a testament to his work ethic and adaptability, particularly as he transitions from college bullpen duty to a full-time starting role in the pros.
If Herring continues this level of performance, a promotion to High-A Hudson Valley could be on the horizon. For now, though, he remains a standout in the Florida State League — the first full-season step in the minors — and a promising sign for the Yankees’ future pitching depth.
From championship college runs to early professional accolades, Griffin Herring is proving he belongs among the best. The Yankees may have found a hidden gem in the sixth round, and his journey is just getting started.
