PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – The hope was Konnor Griffin would be on the Opening Day roster, that changed on Saturday. Now with Griffin in AAA, let's try to look objectively, not emotionally with Jared Triolo.
Let's start with this being a temp job, at least at short, with an opportunity to win the starting job at third base. Triolo is likely the shortstop out of the gate, although it could be Nick Gonzales, or a split. The only other options on the active roster that could play on the left side of the infield are 23-year-old Nick Yorke (four games in his pro career at third, although has played a lot at second base) or Billy Cook, who is primarily an outfielder with three professional games, including the minors, at third base, also with experience at second. The 27-year-old did play 26 games at third in college.
Recently turning 28, it's like Triolo had two different seasons in 2025. Hitting just .158 at the All-Star Break, a guy who has played a couple hundred games in the majors, was sent back to AAA.
You could imagine the feeling, but Triolo said he looks back at that as being 'a good refresh' for him. The average wasn't great, but the on-base was .397 and an .810 OPS over 15 games helped him reset. Triolo said it was just as much being around some of his old friends as anything.
Don Kelly threw him right back into the lineup and he was on base in every game but three in August. Overall, he hit .315 with a .417 on-base percentage with nine extra base hits (two home runs) and 15 RBI that month. He was looking like the hitter the Pirates thought they were getting given his minor league success.
Bucs rolled him out there for nearly every game in September, another nine extra base hits (two homers) with a .240 average and .290 on-base in 100 at bats.
"A couple of little things clicked and different approaches at the plate," Triolo said. "I think just confidence from there. And taking that to next season."
He's won a major league Gold Glove, defense isn't the issue. What can he provide on offense?
Last year the right-handed hitter ended up with 18 doubles and 7 home runs. He had 9 home runs in 125 at bats in 2024. Is there more production there? Could he be an everyday third baseman? Is he better as a utility player?
For now, it's about filling a role with the potential for more. Triolo said he believes the Pirates brass trusts him. Over the first few weeks of the season, he can go further in earning it.
