The Pittsburgh Pirates announced Thursday they are promoting 19-year-old shortstop Konnor Griffin, MLB's No. 1 overall prospect, for his major league debut in Friday's home opener against the Baltimore Orioles at PNC Park. Griffin, the No. 9 pick in the 2024 draft, slashed .333/.415/.527 with 21 home runs and 65 stolen bases across three minor league levels last season. The move addresses early struggles at shortstop for the 3-3 Pirates.
Pittsburgh Pirates officials confirmed the call-up from Triple-A Indianapolis, where Griffin went 7-for-16 with three doubles, five walks and four strikeouts in five games this spring. After a shaky spring training showing -- batting .171 with 13 strikeouts in 46 plate appearances -- Griffin rebounded strongly, displaying the plate discipline and adjustments the organization sought. 'It was tough because I felt like I was so close, but I also now have a little more time to prepare,' Griffin said after his minor league reassignment on March 21. Pirates shortstops have posted a .546 OPS and minus-2 defensive runs saved through six games, with Jared Triolo and Nick Gonzales filling the role so far. The team views Griffin as their best option to boost production at the position immediately, with no service time manipulation involved -- he will accrue a full year and qualify for a Prospect Promotion Incentive pick if he excels. Darren Mazeroski, the Pirates' southeast area scout who signed Griffin out of Mississippi high school, will attend the debut during an on-field ceremony honoring his late father, Hall of Famer Bill Mazeroski, who died in February at age 89. The Pirates will wear a Mazeroski patch all season. 'The whole thing is unbelievable; it’s another layer on a humbling and already emotional weekend,' Darren Mazeroski said. ESPN reports the Pirates and Griffin are discussing a nine-year extension worth around $140 million, which would keep the shortstop -- who turns 20 on April 24 -- under team control through age 28. Griffin, a five-tool talent with plus grades across speed, power, arm, defense and hit tool, will be the first teenage position player in the majors since Juan Soto in 2018. MLB Pipeline notes his rapid ascent makes him younger than most 2024 draftees already in the big leagues.