Pirates reassign top prospect Konnor Griffin to minors

19-year-old shortstop sent down after strong spring training performance

Mar. 22, 2026 at 10:21am

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The Pittsburgh Pirates have reassigned 19-year-old shortstop prospect Konnor Griffin to their minor league camp, despite an impressive spring training that saw him hit four home runs and drive in nine runs. Manager Don Kelly cited Griffin's youth and the need for him to "get back to basics" as the reasons for the decision.

Why it matters

Griffin is considered one of the top prospects in baseball, so his demotion to the minors is a notable development for the Pirates' future plans. The team is taking a cautious approach with the highly touted youngster, prioritizing his long-term development over rushing him to the majors.

The details

In 16 Grapefruit League games, Griffin hit .171 with four home runs and nine RBIs, but also struck out 13 times in 41 at-bats. Manager Don Kelly acknowledged Griffin's talent and professionalism, but believed sending him to the minors would allow him to "reassert himself" without the pressure of making the major league roster.

  • Griffin was reassigned to minor league camp on Saturday, March 22, 2026.

The players

Konnor Griffin

A 19-year-old shortstop prospect who is considered one of the top young talents in baseball.

Don Kelly

The manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates, who made the decision to reassign Griffin to the minors.

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What they’re saying

“The talent that you see, I think he handled himself really well professionally. We talk about the maturity level as a 19-year-old in big league camp. Really excited about him being a Pirate and what that means for the future of Konnor Griffin and the Pirates.”

— Don Kelly, Manager

“Konnor Griffin the person is elite. Allowing him to go and get back to basics and being Konnor Griffin out there (could help). We know there's an elite talent level that comes with him. Just looking forward to him being in Pittsburgh whenever that time comes.”

— Don Kelly, Manager

What’s next

The Pirates will continue to monitor Griffin's progress in the minors, with the goal of bringing him up to the major league roster when he is fully ready to contribute at the highest level.

The takeaway

The Pirates are taking a patient approach with their top prospect, prioritizing his long-term development over rushing him to the majors. This decision highlights the team's commitment to building a sustainable winner, even if it means delaying the debut of one of baseball's most exciting young talents.