Pirates’ top prospect keeps mashing
Konnor Griffin — widely tabbed as baseball’s top prospect — homered again in Pirates camp, adding to a spring that’s pushing his case to break camp with the big club Griffin homers in spring outing. Pittsburgh brass are watching his power display closely as Opening Day decisions near.
Griffin has four Grapefruit League home runs so far this spring, the most on the Pirates in camp. si.com His March 1 blast off Kyle Leahy registered a 107.8 mph exit velocity and traveled 408 feet to center, according to the game report. si.com Multiple outlets placed him atop the 2026 prospect lists — including ESPN’s Top 100 and Baseball America — while MLB Pipeline’s scouting grades list Hit 60, Power 65, Run 70, Arm 70 and Field 60. espn.com General manager Ben Cherington told reporters on March 8 that the club “just hasn’t gotten there” on a final Opening Day decision for Griffin. sports.yahoo.com Baseball America’s recent piece laid out both the case for carrying Griffin as the Opening Day shortstop and the counterarguments tied to service‑time and development, noting clear incentives on both sides. baseballamerica.com The club’s own Opening Day projection currently lists Nick Gonzales at shortstop — Gonzales hit.538 with a 1.186 OPS in early camp — while Griffin remains a non‑roster invitee pushing for a 40‑man spot. mlb.com Griffin is 19 (born April 24, 2006) and arrived at camp after a 2025 season in which he slashed.333/.415/.527 with 21 home runs, 65 stolen bases and 117 runs across three minor‑league levels. mlb.com
