Pittsburgh Pirates Receive Stern Konnor Griffin Warning

Is it possible that Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Konnor Griffin could actually make the Opening Day roster at the green age of 19?

It didn't seem plausible heading into Spring Training, but based on how good Griffin has looked in exhibition games, it's becoming more and more of a discussion.

That's especially considering it's not exactly like the Pirates have a stalwart at shortstop in Nick Gonzales.

But is it actually something Pittsburgh should be considering?

Danny Demilio of Pittsburgh Baseball Now sees the case for and against putting Griffin on the roster to start the season, but the case against it is definitely strong.

"Griffin only has 122 games and not even 570 plate appearances under his belt as a professional. Only 21 of those games and 98 plate appearances have come in Double-A, and he has yet to step onto the field in Triple-A," Demilio wrote. "It’s a tall ask for anyone — even a player of Griffin’s caliber — to skip the top minor-league level and go straight to the big leagues, especially with fewer than 100 trips to the plate in Double-A. Take into consideration Griffin’s age and it’s an even larger ask."

Griffin has smashed three home runs to go along with eight RBI thus far in Spring Training, owning an .894 OPS.

However, it should be noted that Griffin's high OPS is primarily due to his homers, as he is slashing .208/.269/.625 through nine games.

In any case, it's a very small sample size, and the fact that the youngster has already knocked three out of the park is eye-opening now matter how you slice it. But the Pirates need to treat Griffin with kid gloves.

Pittsburgh is in desperate need of a shot in the arm. The Pirates have gotten it with Paul Skenes the last couple of years, but now, they one in terms of a position player.

Oneil Cruz has not delivered like the Buccos have hoped, so Pittsburgh needs to avoid having Griffin suffer a similar fate.

Rushing the former No. 9 overall pick could be very detrimental to his development, so it's imperative that the Pirates do this the right way.

Griffin slashed .333/.415/.527 with 21 home runs and 94 RBI in Pittsburgh's minor-league system last season. Chances are, he will be back in the minors to start 2026.

It should be noted that the last player to make his big-league debut on Opening Day as a teenager was Ken Griffey Jr. back in 1989.

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