The Pittsburgh Pirates have finally done it: they have promoted Konnor Griffin to the Major Leagues. He will make his big league debut during PNC Park’s Opening Day and suit up for shortstop. The long-awaited promotion was announced by the Pirates on their social media accounts this morning.
Opening Debut. pic.twitter.com/ILemWfjIHS
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) April 2, 2026
The Pirates drafted Griffin ninth overall in the 2024 draft out of high school. He was also ranked as the ninth-best prospect in his draft class by both MLB Pipeline and Baseball America. The shortstop/centerfielder inked a signing bonus worth $6,532,025, which was well over the slot value of $6,216,600. Griffin entered 2025 as a consensus top 100 prospect and quickly ascended prospect rankings.
He slashed .333/.415/.527 with a .437 wOBA, and 165 wRC+ over 563 plate appearances. Going yard 21 times while carrying a strong .194 isolated slugging percentage. Griffin also flashed his elite speed, stealing 65 bases. He owned a respectable 8.9% walk rate while only striking out 21.7% of the time. The most impressive part of Griffin’s season is that he began the year at A-Ball Bradenton, but reached Double-A Altoona by the end of the season. On top of that, he only got better as he climbed the minor league ladder. His wRC+ went from 156 at A-Ball to 170 at High-A Greensboro, then to 175 at Double-A Altoona.
Griffin had a legit chance of earning an Opening Day roster spot heading into Spring Training. While he showed his potential, he also struggled. Unfortunately, that led the Pirates to send Griffin to Triple-A Indianapolis to start the season. However, he has destroyed Triple-A pitching in a small 21-plate-appearance sample size. He already has seven hits, including three doubles, five walks, and only four strikeouts. He has made contact 80% of the time while having an astounding 16.7% barrel percentage.
Scouting Reports Love Griffin
Griffin’s magnificent season has earned him consensus number one prospect status, a status very few prospects ever reach. The last right-handed-hitting position player to achieve this feat before Griffin is Toronto Blue Jays superstar Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Griffin receives nothing but positive reviews across all five of his tools on the diamond.
Both Baseball America and MLB Pipeline grade out Griffin’s five tools as plus (aka 60-grade) or better. His ‘worst’ tools are his hit and fielding tools. However, a 60-grade hit tool is still a .275-.294 batter, and a 60-grade fielder is still a Gold Glove candidate. Griffin is a potential 30/30 threat, with a 70-power and 70-speed grade. He was a two-way player in high school, running up radar guns into the mid-90s. Unsurprisingly, his strong arm has translated well to shortstop.
Extreme Hype for Opening Day
Calling up Griffin before the Pirates’ first game at PNC Park in 2026 gives not just their roster, but the fanbase a massive boost of energy. He has the upside to carry even a below-average lineup. This will be one of the Pirates’ most hyped Opening Day games ever. Griffin helps the Pirates out at shortstop and moves Jared Triolo back to his best position of third base. Now the next step is to extend Griffin to a long-term contract.
Main Photo Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
