The Pittsburgh Pirates decided where Konnor Griffin will begin the 2026 season.
At some point this season, Konnor Griffin is destined to make a big impact for the Pittsburgh Pirates. The question all spring training was, when would that come?
While there were moments over the last month that made it appear the No. 1 prospect in baseball would be on Pittsburgh’s Opening Day roster, Griffin will ultimately still start the 2026 season in the Minor Leagues.
The Pirates announced on Saturday that the team had optioned Griffin to Triple-A for the start of the season.
Pirates manager Don Kelly said this was "Extremely difficult [decision]."
"When you're talking about a kid that came in big league camp playing shortstop for the first time, and the talent that you see, I think he handled himself really well professionally."
Griffin handled himself like a professional both on and off the field during his time with the Pirates Spring Training team.
The right-handed hitter ultimately finished his Grapefruit League action with a .749 OPS, including five extra-base hits. The way Griffin was impacting the ball and his exit velocity were also clear standouts.
That said, there were some signs throughout the Spring that Griffin still had room for development, which is understandable for a 19-year-old.
Girffin was the spring with 13 strikeouts (25.6 percent), and he only logged two hits over his final seven appearances. The best time to bring up Griffin would likely be when he's swinging a hot bat, and that isn't right now.
Mar 21, 2026; Bradenton, Florida, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates infielder Konnor Griffin (75) at bat during the fourth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at LECOM Park. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn ImagesEven though Griffin is starting the 2026 season at Triple-A, it may not be long before he joins the Pirates and their big-league roster.
During his Minor League career, Griffin owns a .333/.415/.527 slash line, including 23 doubles and 21 home runs. All of that came across three levels during the 2025 season.
The Pirates know that they have a potential generational talent looming in their system, and he'll be a big piece to their success in the future.
Kelly continued, "We talked about the maturity level as a 19-year-old in big league camp, and [we're] really excited about him being a Pirate and what that means for the future of Konnor Griffin and the Pirates."
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