Pittsburgh Pirates fans are anxiously waiting for Konnor Griffin to make his Major League debut. According to MLB Pipeline, the shortstop is the No. 1 prospect in minor league baseball. 

The 19-year-old torched Double-A pitching last season, hitting .337/.418/.542 with five home runs and a .961 OPS in 98 plate appearances. His performance has led to high expectations and a comparison with one of MLB’s best middle infielders. 

“If you look at where Konnor Griffin is right now, I’m not going to tell you that he’s going to be Bobby Witt Jr.,” Baseball America’s JJ Cooper said on an episode of the podcast Foul Territory. “But it is that kind of development path we are seeing. Let’s just say that he’s 75% of Bobby Witt Jr., that’s still one of the best players in the Major Leagues.” 

Sky high expectations 

Despite his young age, the Pirates could give Griffin a chance to make the Opening Day roster in 2026. That would mean he skips Triple-A altogether. 

Last Friday, the Pirates listed Griffin as one of the non-roster invites to spring training. The organization will have a better idea of his readiness to face Major League pitching following the spring. 

Nonetheless, after watching Paul Skenes zoom through the minors, the Pirates and their fans might be anticipating a similar rapid development from Griffin. It’s borderline impossible not to get excited about a player compared to Witt. 

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