Konnor Griffin Joins Paul Skenes as Pirates Aim to End Playoff Drought

The young duo are leading Pittsburgh's charge to return to the postseason for the first time in over a decade.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 3:11pm

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The Pittsburgh Pirates have called up top prospect Konnor Griffin to join ace pitcher Paul Skenes, forming a dynamic young core that the team hopes will end their long playoff drought. Griffin, 19, made his MLB debut last week and has already made an impact, while Skenes, the reigning NL Cy Young winner, continues to dominate on the mound. The Pirates have been aggressive this offseason, trading for All-Star Brandon Lowe and signing Ryan O'Hearn, signaling their intent to win now.

Why it matters

The Pirates have struggled to field a competitive team for over a decade, but the arrival of Skenes and Griffin represents a changing of the guard. If the young duo can lead Pittsburgh to the playoffs, it would be a major turnaround for a franchise that has long been an also-ran in the NL Central.

The details

In a 7-1 win over the Padres, Skenes struck out five of the first nine batters he faced, while Griffin recorded his first multi-hit game, including a two-run single. The Pirates' aggressive offseason moves, including trading for Lowe and signing O'Hearn, show the team is serious about ending its playoff drought.

  • Skenes was drafted by the Pirates in 2023.
  • Griffin was drafted by the Pirates in 2024.
  • Griffin made his MLB debut on April 3, 2026.

The players

Paul Skenes

The reigning NL Cy Young Award winner, Skenes is the ace of the Pirates' pitching staff and a key part of the team's plans to return to the playoffs.

Konnor Griffin

A 19-year-old shortstop and the top prospect in baseball, Griffin was called up by the Pirates last week and has already made an impact with his bat and glove.

Brandon Lowe

An All-Star second baseman acquired by the Pirates in a trade this offseason, Lowe is part of the team's efforts to build a contending roster around its young core.

Ryan O'Hearn

An All-Star outfielder/first baseman signed by the Pirates in free agency this offseason, O'Hearn is another veteran addition aimed at helping the team end its playoff drought.

Nick Gonzales

A first-round pick in 2020, Gonzales has played alongside Griffin and is impressed by the young shortstop's maturity and talent.

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What they’re saying

“We're in a good spot. A lot of season to go, for sure, but the first couple of weeks have been pretty dang fun. ... I'm excited to see what it turns into because I don't even think we're playing our best baseball yet – which is scary to think about.”

— Paul Skenes, Pitcher

“The way he competes on the mound, the way he fires us up in this clubhouse, we want to get runs for him because he's going to dominate every time he goes out there. If we can just scratch some runs for him, then we'll get him a win.”

— Konnor Griffin, Shortstop

“He's a kid. He's doing things that I wish I could do. He hits the crap out of the ball. He's mature beyond his age.”

— Nick Gonzales, Second Baseman

What’s next

The Pirates will look to continue their strong start as they aim to end their playoff drought. Their next key test will come when they face the division-rival St. Louis Cardinals later this month.

The takeaway

The arrival of Skenes and Griffin represents a new era of hope for the Pirates, who have struggled for over a decade to field a competitive team. If the young duo can lead Pittsburgh to the playoffs, it would be a remarkable turnaround for a franchise that has long been an also-ran in the NL Central.