MLB rookies to watch: Konnor Griffin, Kevin McGonigle look like real deal

Four top prospects have done little to dispel that they may not only be big league-ready, but poised to break through even before the most starry-eyed prospect-head could've imagined.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Four top MLB prospects - Konnor Griffin (Pirates), Kevin McGonigle (Tigers), Justin Crawford (Phillies), and Andrew Painter (Phillies) - have impressed with their early spring training performances, raising expectations that they could make an impact in the majors sooner than expected.

Why it matters

These young players represent the future of the game, and their ability to make the jump to the big leagues and contribute right away could reshape the competitive landscape in their respective divisions.

The details

Griffin, the top overall prospect, has been crushing the ball in Grapefruit League games, while McGonigle, the consensus No. 2 prospect, has been equally impressive for the Tigers. Crawford and Painter are also making strong cases to break camp with their MLB clubs, the Phillies and Phillies respectively.

  • Griffin turns 20 on April 24.
  • The Tigers face the Mariners in a 15-inning elimination game last season.
  • Crawford is expected to make his MLB debut on March 26 when the Phillies open against the Texas Rangers.
  • Painter is slated to make his next spring training start on March 7 against the Toronto Blue Jays.

The players

Konnor Griffin

The top overall prospect in baseball, a 19-year-old shortstop in the Pirates' organization who hit .333/.415/.527 in his first professional season.

Kevin McGonigle

The consensus No. 2 prospect in baseball, a 21-year-old shortstop in the Tigers' organization who is impressing with his performance in spring training.

Justin Crawford

A 22-year-old outfielder in the Phillies' organization who is expected to make his MLB debut on March 26, following in the footsteps of his father Carl, a four-time MLB All-Star.

Andrew Painter

A top pitching prospect in the Phillies' organization who is recovering from Tommy John surgery and making a strong case to break camp in the Phillies' rotation.

Paul Skenes

A Pirates pitcher who has voiced his support for Konnor Griffin to start the season in Pittsburgh.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“The confidence that he's showing in his at-bats against these particular pitchers is impressive.”

— A.J. Hinch, Tigers manager (N/A)

“I was very encouraged. I thought it was great.”

— Rob Thomson, Phillies manager (N/A)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

These four top prospects have the potential to make an immediate impact in the majors, shaking up the competitive landscape in their respective divisions and providing a glimpse of the future of the game.