FanGraphs unveiled its top 100 prospects for 2026 on Monday. Four Pittsburgh Pirates made the list, including Konnor Griffin at No. 1.
Griffin is the consensus top prospect in baseball, so that’s not surprising. FanGraphs is clearly high on him, however, based on the effusive praise it showered on him in the article.
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“Griffin is not only clearly the best prospect in baseball, but one of the top handful of prospects ever evaluated during the current era of FanGraphs scouting, which goes back a little over 10 years. He’s a franchise-altering entity whose talent rivals that of Bobby Witt Jr., a young, level-headed Hanley Ramirez, or a faster Carlos Correa.” FanGraphs wrote.
And that was just the tip of the iceberg.
“This is a complete player, an absolute monster who might make Paul Skenes the second-best guy on his team in short order, who might one day be mentioned in Pittsburgh in the same breath as Mean Joe Greene if they can find a way to get an extension done, and whose daily impact can help return the Pirates to long-awaited glory,” FanGraphs added.
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Expectations are sky high for the 19-year-old shortstop, who has a chance to crack Pittsburgh’s Opening Day lineup. FanGraphs believes he’s a true five-tool talent, rating him at least 60/80 for future value in all five tools and a 70/80 overall.
After tearing up three Minor League levels last year, the 2024 first-round draft pick already appears ready for the Major Leagues and seems poised to contribute at some point this year. The Pirates struggled offensively last season, so getting a Skenes-type of impact right off the bat would be huge for them as they pursue their first playoff berth since 2015.
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The post FanGraphs Drools Over Future Pirates Star In 2026 Prospect Rankings appeared first on SportsNet Pittsburgh.