According to a report, the Pirates are going to give their top prospect a chance to play in the big leagues in 2026.
ESPN’s Jeff Passan reports the Pirates are “strongly considering giving the No. 1 prospect in baseball, 19-year-old Konnor Griffin, the opportunity to win their Opening Day shortstop job.”
It’s been an amazing rise for Griffin, not only did the 19-year-old move from Low A to AA, he’s the top prospect in the game.
He hit .338 in Low-A Bradenton, 325 in High-A Greensboro and finished the season at Double-A Altoona with a .337 average.
Griffin was taken 9th overall in the 2024 draft out of Jackson Prep, in Jackson, Mississippi and doesn’t turn 20 until late April.
According to Passan, the Pirates are also primed to spend in the offseason.
They reportedly were willing to spend over $80 million on first baseman Josh Naylor before he re-signed with the Seattle Mariners.
“And they're considering other possibilities to supplement Paul Skenes and a rotation that was among the five best in MLB in the second half,” writes Passan.
And, the Pirates are also reportedly int he mix to get free agent Kyle Schwarber.
Fans have been asking for the Pirates to spend some money and give young players a chance. It sounds like that’s exactly what they’re doing this offseason.