Pirates call up SS Konnor Griffin, MLB's top prospect, for home opener

Field Level Media|published: Thu 2nd April, 11:32 2026

MLB: Spring Training-Pittsburgh Pirates at St. Louis Cardinals

Mar 1, 2026; Jupiter, Florida, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Konnor Griffin (75) celebrates after hitting a two-run home run against the St. Louis Cardinals during the first inning at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Pirates shortstop Konnor Griffin, the No. 1 prospect in baseball, will be with the team for the home opener in Pittsburgh on Friday.

Griffin, 19, makes the jump from Triple-A Indianapolis for his anticipated debut after hitting .438 since being sent down on March 21.

Even though he became a must-see attraction with tape-measure home runs in batting practice, the Pirates opted to send Griffin to Indy out of spring training. He hit .171 in 16 Grapefruit League games with four home runs and 13 strikeouts in 41 at-bats.

Griffin turns 20 on April 24.

Early in the 2026 season, Jared Triolo has been the primary shortstop for the Pirates with Nick Gonzales also seeing time, but Pittsburgh acknowledged wanting more production out of the position.

Griffin was the MLB Minor League Player of the Year last season, batting .333 with 21 home runs, 94 RBIs, 65 stolen bases and 117 runs scored in 122 total games across three levels of the farm system.

Griffin was committed to LSU but opted to sign with the Pirates after being drafted ninth overall in 2024. A shortstop, center fielder and pitcher on his 39-4 Mississippi state championship team at Jackson Prep, he batted .559 with nine home runs and 87 steals and had a 10-0 record with 107 strikeouts as a senior.

--Field Level Media