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12h ago

Pirates Reassign No. 1 Prospect Konnor Griffin to Minors Ahead of Opening Day

Team points to development needs following a power-heavy spring with elevated strikeouts.

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Mar 9, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Konnor Griffin (75) runs to second base on a two-rbi double against the New York Yankees in the fifth inning during spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
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Overview

  • On Saturday the Pirates announced Konnor Griffin was sent to minor-league camp, confirming he will not open the season in MLB.
  • Griffin, 19, is MLB Pipeline’s top overall prospect after batting .333/.415/.527 with 21 homers and 65 steals across three levels in 2025.
  • In 16 Grapefruit League games he hit .171 with four home runs, nine RBIs and 13 strikeouts in 41 at-bats.
  • Manager Don Kelly called the choice "extremely difficult" and praised Griffin’s maturity and professionalism.
  • Griffin is expected to start at Triple-A Indianapolis with a possible quick call-up if he performs, while Nick Gonzales is the likely Opening Day shortstop.