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It’s coming. It has to, right? At this point, is there any way Konnor Griffin doesn’t head north with the Pittsburgh Pirates to begin the 2026 MLB season? Based on his talent level, Griffin deserves to be a major league player. The better, and really the most important, question is whether or not the Pirates believe it. However, believing it and acting on it are two very different things. And that’s where the question lies.
MORE: MLB Power Rankings as 2026 Spring Training begins
Not much pro ball experience:
Griffin has just 122 professional games under his belt. He began last year in A-ball and then progressed to High-A before ending the season in Double-A. The shortstop finished with a .333 average, 21 home runs, 94 RBI, and 117 runs scored. That’s burying the lead, though, as Griffin also stole 65 bases.
Yes, he’s 20 years old and hasn’t even played in Triple-A, but can you really top what he did in the minor leagues last season? And through his first 10 at-bats so far in Spring Training, Griffin picked right up where he left off with two massive home runs.
But only if it were that easy. After signing Ryan O’Hearn and Marcell Ozuna, while trading for Brandon Lowe, the Pirates look very different heading into 2026. Beginning their rotation with Paul Skenes is also sure to make anyone a contender.
Pirates finances could impact decision:
The problem with the Pirates is that they are very aware of the monetary impacts of building a competitive team. That means whether or not Griffin begins the season could depend, in part, on financials and when Pittsburgh wants to start the clock on his arbitration eligibility.
For that reason, it wasn’t surprising to see rumblings of the Pirates discussing a long-term contract with their top prospect. Depending on the specifics of the contract, it could truly be a win-win for both sides.
From the perspective of the Pirates, they don’t necessarily have a choice. Not entirely in the sense of giving Griffin a contract, but in the sense of the shortstop beginning the season on the major league roster. If Griffin continues to have success in Spring Training and if Pittsburgh is truly serious about winning, then the shortstop has to be in the lineup on Opening Day. There’s no other way for the Pirates to rationalize it.
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