Pirates call up top prospect Griffin for MLB debut
Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Konnor Griffin will make his major league debut in the team's home opener against the Baltimore Orioles on Friday. The Pirates announced the move Thursday. Griffin, MLB's top prospect who turns 20 on April 24, was selected ninth overall in the 2024 amateur draft out of Jackson Preparatory School in Flowood, Mississippi.
Griffin signed with Pittsburgh after the draft and played his first professional season in 2025 across Low-A Bradenton, High-A Greensboro and Double-A Altoona. The Pirates assigned him to Triple-A to open the 2026 campaign but recalled him after he collected seven hits in 16 at-bats with three stolen bases. He also hit four home runs in 16 spring training games.
In 122 minor league games last year, Griffin batted .333 with 21 home runs, 94 RBI and 65 stolen bases. The Pirates are finalizing a nine-year, $140 million contract with him, according to ESPN.
A full season of service time for Griffin could yield Pittsburgh an extra first-round draft pick under the Prospect Promotion Incentive program, established in 2022 to deter service-time manipulation. The bonus applies if the top prospect wins Rookie of the Year or finishes top three in MVP or Cy Young voting. The Pirates (3-3) host the Orioles (3-3) at 4:12 p.m. ET Friday.