The Pittsburgh Pirates are set to bring up standout shortstop Konnor Griffin—widely regarded as baseball’s top prospect—just ahead of their home opener against the Baltimore Orioles.
Still 19 years old, Griffin’s rise has been rapid. Selected ninth overall in the 2024 MLB Draft, he dominated in his first full professional season, hitting over .330 with 21 home runs, around 95 RBIs, and more than 60 stolen bases across multiple minor league levels—numbers that earned him 2025 Minor League Player of the Year honors.
His momentum has carried into 2026. After opening the season with Triple-A Indianapolis, Griffin went 7-for-16 in five games, flashing both speed and extra-base power. That performance, combined with the timing of Pittsburgh’s home opener, helped seal his call-up.
When he takes the field, Griffin will debut just weeks before turning 20, becoming the first teenage position player in the majors since Juan Soto in 2018. He’ll also rank among the youngest players to appear so early in a season in decades. Beyond his debut, attention is already shifting to his future. The Pirates are reportedly exploring a long-term extension with Griffin, following a growing trend across MLB where teams lock in top prospects early. Recent deals for young players like Colt Emerson and Cooper Pratt highlight that approach.
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