Top Pirates Prospect Konnor Griffin Eyeing Opening Day Shortstop Role

The 19-year-old is in the mix to be the team's starting shortstop on Opening Day.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The Pittsburgh Pirates have high expectations this season with the return of stars like NL Cy Young winner Paul Skenes and centerfielder Oneil Cruz, as well as the addition of All-Stars Brandon Lowe, Ryan O'Hearn, and Marcel Ozuna. One of the other potential new starters could be top prospect Konnor Griffin, who is competing for the team's starting shortstop job. The 19-year-old, who was the 9th overall pick in the 2024 draft, said the opportunity to be the Opening Day shortstop would be "pretty special," but he's trying to stay focused on improving his game day-by-day rather than looking too far ahead.

Why it matters

The Pirates are aiming to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2015, and Griffin's potential emergence as the starting shortstop would be a significant boost to their lineup and defense. As one of the top prospects in baseball, Griffin's development will be closely watched as the Pirates look to build a contender in the NL Central.

The details

Griffin finished last season with impressive numbers, hitting .333 with 21 home runs, 94 RBIs, and 65 stolen bases across three minor league levels. He is competing with 26-year-old Nick Gonzales for the starting shortstop job, and while he acknowledged the opportunity to start on Opening Day would be "pretty special," he's trying to stay focused on improving his game day-by-day rather than looking too far ahead.

  • The 2024 June Amateur Draft was when the Pirates selected Griffin with the 9th overall pick.
  • Last season, Griffin played across Low-A, High-A, and Double-A, putting up his impressive offensive numbers.

The players

Konnor Griffin

A 19-year-old shortstop prospect who was the 9th overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft and is considered one of the top prospects in baseball.

Paul Skenes

The Pittsburgh Pirates' ace pitcher who won the NL Cy Young Award last season.

Oneil Cruz

One of the top centerfielders in MLB and a key part of the Pirates' lineup.

Brandon Lowe

An All-Star second baseman who the Pirates added to their revamped lineup this offseason.

Ryan O'Hearn

An All-Star first baseman who joined the Pirates this offseason.

Marcel Ozuna

A three-time MLB All-Star designated hitter who signed with the Pirates this offseason.

Nick Gonzales

A 26-year-old infielder who is also competing for the Pirates' starting shortstop job.

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What they’re saying

“That would be pretty special. But like I said, still got a long way to go until then. Got to continue to grow as a player and try to be a sponge every single day and learn from the guys every single day.”

— Konnor Griffin (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

“I try not to think about it too much. I just try to be myself and be in the moment, be present, take it day by day, and just try to grow as a player.”

— Konnor Griffin (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

What’s next

The Pirates will continue to evaluate Griffin and Gonzales throughout spring training to determine their starting shortstop for Opening Day.

The takeaway

The Pirates' top prospect Konnor Griffin has a chance to earn the starting shortstop job on Opening Day, which would be a significant boost to the team's young and talented roster as they aim to return to the playoffs for the first time in nearly a decade.