The weekend before Opening Day, the Pittsburgh Pirates made the difficult and controversial decision to reassign MLB’s top prospect, Konnor Griffin, to Triple-A Indianapolis to begin the season.

The polarizing move immediately sparked backlash from Pirates fans, many of whom felt Griffin was ready for the Major Leagues despite his age and lack of minor league experience. Others simply felt he was the best shortstop on Pittsburgh’s roster.

Regardless, the Pirates broke camp with Jared Triolo as their Opening Day shortstop. So far, that decision has not panned out for them.

 

I am not even kidding when I say the Pittsburgh Pirates would have a winning record if they would have awarded Konnor Griffin the starting SS position to start the season.

Jared Triolo is 2-17 on the season and has left 12 RUNNERS on base so far this season. Yes, 12!!!!!!!!!!!

— Kody Duncan (@KodyDuncanPGH) March 31, 2026

 

Triolo started Pittsburgh’s first four games at shortstop but has scuffled at the plate, going just 2-for-17 with one run, one RBI, one walk and three strikeouts. He’s also struggled mightily with men on base, stranding 12 baserunners.

The 28-year-old infielder took a seat on Tuesday, so perhaps that will do him some good. He’s not a great hitter to begin with and doesn’t have much of a track record at the plate, but he’s capable of more than what he’s shown so far.

Meanwhile, Griffin’s off to a torrid start in Triple-A, making the decision look even worse in hindsight and worse by the day. If he keeps hitting like that and Triolo keeps struggling, Griffin will be up in the Show before long.

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