The Pittsburgh Pirates have a decision to make before the beginning of the 2026 season: should they have Konnor Griffin on the Opening Day roster, or wait until later in the season to call him up?
There are some valid justifications to not have a 19-year-old begin the year at the big-league level, but he did give the Pirates a good reason as to why he should be in the lineup right out of the gate.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementGriffin had an incredible performance in Pittsburgh’s 16-7 victory over the Boston Red Sox on Tuesday. Not only did he hit his first Grapefruit League homer, but he also hit his second in the next at-bat.
The right-hander’s first home run came off the bat at 104.8 mph and traveled 374 feet. Griffin’s second homer was even more impressive, with an exit velocity of 111.2 mph traveling 440 feet.
The talent is obviously there, but one of the biggest questions Griffin is currently facing is how he will look against proven big-league pitchers.
He passed that test with flying colors with these two home runs.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementGriffin's first homer came off Ranger Suarez, who was one of MLB’s best starters a year ago with a 3.20 ERA and 1.220 WHIP and plenty of postseason experience. Griffin’s second blast came off Nick Martinez, who has a five-year MLB career as a reliever.
After the game, Griffin was asked about having both of his homers come off big-league pitchers. The prospect said he wasn’t focused on who was on the mound, but more on his own approach and how to put up the best at-bat possible.
Aug 2, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Konnor Griffin who was the ninth overall pick in first round of the 2024 First-Year Player Draft looks on at the batting cage before a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images“It’s special, but everybody’s out here just playing baseball,” Griffin said. “I stepped in the box and I was just ready to compete. I really wasn’t worried about who was on the mound. Just worried about what his stuff was and how I could have the best approach against that.”
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementGriffin has hit some balls hard this spring, but they just haven’t gotten down for hits. Not having the success in the box score may affect some young players, but not Griffin. His approach is one you’d expect a veteran big-leaguer to have.
“That’s the way the game of baseball works. You’re gonna have some days where you have bad luck, and you’re gonna have some really good luck on days as well,” said Griffin. “Stay the same person, showing up, continue to work, and it’ll all work out for you.”
It’s still early in the spring, but Griffin has passed every test so far. At some point, the Pirates will have trouble not having his bat in the lineup.
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