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Pirates Reassign No. 1 Prospect Konnor Griffin to Triple-A to Open Season

The decision underscores a development-first plan for a 19-year-old shortstop.

Overview

  • Griffin, who is baseball’s consensus top prospect, was moved to minor-league camp Saturday and will begin the year at Triple-A Indianapolis rather than on the Opening Day roster.
  • Manager Don Kelly called the call "extremely difficult" and said Griffin may have been pressing after a spring that featured four home runs, a .171 average, and 13 strikeouts in 41 at-bats.
  • Multiple outlets report ongoing talks about a long-term deal in the $100 million-plus range over eight to nine years, and no agreement has been finalized.
  • Kelly outlined the short-term infield plan with Jared Triolo set to play most of the shortstop reps and Nick Yorke and Nick Gonzales sharing third base.
  • Coverage highlights a split view, with some pointing to MLB service-time rules — 172 days equals a full year and a short Triple-A stay can add a year of club control — and others stressing standard development for a teenager with limited upper-level experience.