Top prospect Konnor Griffin waits to see if he debuts with the Pittsburgh Pirates now or to hone his skills in the minors.
The biggest story of the Pittsburgh Pirates’ spring training camp is about to reach its conclusion.
Will Konnor Griffin make the team and be the opening-day shortstop next Thursday when the Pirates play the Mets in New York? Or will the 19-year-old phenom be sent to the minor leagues for more developmental time?
It’s the question everyone in Bradenton, Fla., is asking.
Griffin says he is trying not to think about it, though admittedly that isn’t easy. He addressed the situation Friday night before a group of Pittsburgh prospects played their Detroit Tigers’ counterparts in a Spring Breakout game in Bradenton.
“With camp coming down to the wire, it’s a thought in my head,” Griffin said. “But I’m trying to stay present and enjoy this Breakout game today, enjoy being with the guys, and have a good time.”
Griffin is widely regarded as baseball's top prospect. He was Minor League Player of the Year in 2025 after batting .333/.415/.527 with 21 homers and 65 steals in 122 games at three levels, including 21 Double-A games to end his debut season.
Griffin’s rise has been meteoric. He was the ninth overall pick in the 2024 amateur draft. Just two years ago, he played high school baseball at Jackson Preparatory School in Flowood, Miss.
So how has Griffin done it?
“Taking the risk with making some adjustments,” Griffin said. “I want to overcome the adversity. I want to beat the next challenge that’s put in front of me. I want to do that every day. That’s what’s helped me continue to make big steps over the last year. Going to continue to look forward to continuing to do that.”
Whether Griffin will be in the majors or minors remains to be seen. He is 7-for-34 (.206) in Grapefruit League play with one double, four home runs, 10 strikeouts, and no walks.
Griffin made a cameo in big league camp last spring. This year, a bigger opportunity has boosted his confidence.
“It kind of shows me that I feel prepared,” Griffin said. “I don’t feel overmatched. I don’t feel sped up. I feel prepared. That’s what I’ve been training for over the last year. It’s led to this moment. I’m ready. I’m taking each game one game at a time. Just letting my skills take over.”
Phillip Wellman, now manager of High-A Greensboro, coached Griffin for 50 South Atlantic League games last season. The 42-year baseball veteran was impressed.
“First thing that comes to my mind is special,” Wellman said. ‘I think y'all probably have seen it, too. He just kept climbing, and he swung the bat better as he went up. Just the way he carries himself, and I know he comes from a good family, he's been brought up right, and just how humble he is, and watch him go out and perform every night was a pleasure.
“I'm 64 years old, and when I'm 80, I'm going to be sitting back thinking about Konnor Griffin and Greensboro.”
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