Pittsburgh Pirates promote top prospect Konnor Griffin, 19, ahead of home opener

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Pittsburgh Pirates are set to bring up standout shortstop Konnor Griffin, widely regarded as baseball's top prospect, just ahead of their home opener against the Baltimore Orioles. The 19-year-old Griffin dominated in his first full professional season, earning 2025 Minor League Player of the Year honors, and has continued his strong play to open the 2026 campaign at Triple-A. His call-up will make him one of the youngest position players to debut in the majors in decades.

Why it matters

Griffin's rapid rise through the minors and impending MLB debut at such a young age has generated significant buzz around the Pirates' future. His promotion also highlights a growing trend across baseball of teams locking in top prospects to long-term extensions early in their careers.

The details

Selected ninth overall in the 2024 MLB Draft, Griffin hit over .330 with 21 home runs, around 95 RBIs, and more than 60 stolen bases across multiple minor league levels in 2025, earning him Minor League Player of the Year honors. This season, he's gone 7-for-16 in five games at Triple-A Indianapolis, flashing both speed and extra-base power. The timing of his call-up, just ahead of the Pirates' home opener, helped seal his promotion to the majors.

• Griffin was selected 9th overall in the 2024 MLB Draft.
• In 2025, Griffin dominated across multiple minor league levels, hitting over .330 with 21 home runs, around 95 RBIs, and more than 60 stolen bases.
• Griffin opened the 2026 season at Triple-A Indianapolis, going 7-for-16 in five games.
• Griffin will make his MLB debut just weeks before turning 20 years old.

What’s next

The Pirates are reportedly exploring a long-term extension with Konnor Griffin, following a growing trend across MLB where teams lock in top prospects early.