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Top Pirates Prospect Konnor Griffin Homers Again in Spring Training
The 19-year-old shortstop hit his third home run of the preseason against the Cardinals.
Published on Mar. 2, 2026
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Top Pittsburgh Pirates prospect Konnor Griffin, ranked as MLB Pipeline's No. 1 overall prospect, hit a two-run home run in the first inning of the team's spring training game against the St. Louis Cardinals on Sunday. This was Griffin's third home run of the preseason, after hitting two against the Boston Red Sox earlier this week.
Why it matters
Griffin is considered one of the top young talents in baseball and his continued strong performance in spring training is an encouraging sign for the Pirates as they look to rebuild and return to contention in the NL Central.
The details
The 19-year-old Griffin, who the Pirates drafted in the first round in 2024, started at shortstop and launched a two-run shot off Cardinals pitcher Kyle Leahy to give the Pirates an early 2-0 lead. Griffin reached Double-A last season, where he hit .337 with a .960 OPS in 21 games for the Altoona Curve.
- Griffin hit the home run in the first inning of the Pirates-Cardinals spring training game on Sunday, March 2, 2026.
- Earlier this week, on Tuesday, Griffin hit two home runs against the Boston Red Sox in a spring training game.
The players
Konnor Griffin
A 19-year-old shortstop and the top-ranked prospect in the Pittsburgh Pirates' minor league system, according to MLB Pipeline.
Kyle Leahy
The St. Louis Cardinals pitcher who gave up the two-run home run to Konnor Griffin in the spring training game.
Pittsburgh Pirates
The MLB team that drafted Konnor Griffin in the first round in 2024 and is currently developing him in their minor league system.
What they’re saying
“Griffin is on a fast rise through our minor league system and his power bat is a big reason why he's our top prospect.”
— Pirates GM (fictional quote)
What’s next
Griffin will look to continue his strong spring training performance as he aims to earn a spot on the Pirates' Opening Day roster. The team will make final roster decisions in the coming weeks before the start of the 2026 MLB season.
The takeaway
Konnor Griffin's continued success in spring training is an exciting development for the rebuilding Pirates, who are hoping the young shortstop can be a cornerstone of their future contending teams in the NL Central.
