Pirates GM Undecided on Konnor Griffin's Opening Day Roster Spot

Highly-touted shortstop prospect has impressed in spring training, but team wants to take it slow with his development.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Pittsburgh Pirates general manager Ben Cherington says the team has not yet decided whether top prospect Konnor Griffin will make the Opening Day roster, despite Griffin's strong performance in spring training games. Cherington praised Griffin's physical skills and potential, but indicated the team wants to take a cautious approach with his MLB debut to support his long-term development.

Why it matters

The Pirates are looking to improve their offense after finishing last in MLB in runs scored and home runs in 2025. Griffin, ranked the top overall prospect, could provide a much-needed boost, but the team is weighing the benefits of bringing him up quickly versus allowing him more time to develop in the minors.

The details

Griffin, a shortstop, has three home runs in 20 at-bats so far in spring training. Cherington acknowledged Griffin has been "impressive" and that the team anticipated he would perform well, given his physical skills and makeup. However, the GM said the team has not yet decided on Griffin's Opening Day status and will take it "a day at a time" as they get closer to finalizing the roster.

  • The Pirates finished the 2025 season with a 71-91 record, last in the NL Central.
  • Griffin was recently named the top overall prospect in baseball by MLB Pipeline.

The players

Ben Cherington

The general manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates, who is evaluating whether top prospect Konnor Griffin will make the team's Opening Day roster.

Konnor Griffin

A highly-touted shortstop prospect in the Pirates' system, ranked as the top overall prospect in baseball by MLB Pipeline.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I just think we haven't gotten there. Take it a day at a time. As we get a little deeper into March, we'll start making decisions as we get closer with the roster.”

— Ben Cherington, General Manager (MLB.com)

“He's been impressive, as we anticipated he would be. Knowing Konnor, the physical skills and who he is as a person, we anticipated that he would do good things in spring training. And he has.”

— Ben Cherington, General Manager (MLB.com)

What’s next

The Pirates will continue to evaluate Konnor Griffin's performance in spring training games as they make final decisions on their Opening Day roster in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

The Pirates are taking a cautious approach with their top prospect Konnor Griffin, prioritizing his long-term development over potentially rushing him to the majors to boost their struggling offense. This measured approach could pay dividends if Griffin reaches his full potential down the line, even if it means delaying his MLB debut.