Pirates promote Konnor Griffin, one of baseball’s most exciting prospects in years
nytimes.com • • sports
Key Points:
- Konnor Griffin, baseball’s top prospect and a highly touted five-tool player, will join the Pittsburgh Pirates for their home opener, marking a significant boost for a franchise eager to return to postseason contention.
- Despite a slow spring training start and beginning the season in Triple-A, Griffin quickly proved his readiness, prompting the Pirates to promote him after just five minor league games.
- Griffin’s arrival addresses the Pirates’ struggles at shortstop and adds elite athleticism, power, and speed, with potential to play both shortstop and center field.
- Discussions are underway for a possible long-term, high-value contract extension for Griffin, which could surpass previous Pirates deals and rival recent lucrative agreements given to top prospects in MLB.
- The timing of Griffin’s promotion also aims to secure a Prospect Promotion Incentive draft pick for the Pirates, avoiding the service time issues that affected a similar situation with pitcher Paul Skenes last year.
