Konnor Griffin remembers sitting at PNC Park almost two years ago after he was drafted ninth overall in 2024, dreaming of what it would be like to take the field with the Pirates.
He didn’t have to wait long. That dream will become a reality Friday, as baseball’s No. 1 prospect is set to make his debut for the Pirates’ home opener against the Orioles at 4:12 p.m. ET. Griffin, who will wear No. 6, is hitting seventh and playing shortstop.
When he takes the field, the 19-year-old will be the first teenage position player in MLB since Juan Soto debuted with the Nationals in 2018. He’ll become the first teenager to debut for the Pirates since Aramis Ramirez in 1998. He turns 20 on April 24.
“The drive from Columbus, [Ohio], to here [was] just two hours of kind of reflecting on the whole journey so far,” Griffin said in a pregame press conference Friday. “I was talking about how cool it would be to play on this field, and now I get to do it. I'm super excited.”
News of Griffin’s callup broke Thursday, and Pittsburgh officially selected his contract Friday morning, designating infielder Enmanuel Valdez for assignment in a corresponding move to clear space on the 40-man roster.
Griffin spent Spring Training in big league camp, where he displayed the mammoth power he has in his bat. He hit four home runs, but he hit .171 overall and struck out 13 times in 46 plate appearances. The club was seemingly open to him breaking camp with the Pirates, but opted for an assignment to Triple-A Indianapolis instead.
It lasted just five games. Griffin slashed .438/.571/.625, walked five times to just four strikeouts and stole three bases.
“It's been an amazing journey, and I feel like I've grown so much as a player and as a person -- just really been able to take it all in,” Griffin said. “And I'm glad I'm here today. I feel super ready for this moment.”
Griffin skyrocketed up prospect rankings in his first season of professional baseball, cruising through three levels of the organization and earning honors as Baseball America’s Minor League Player of the Year last season. In 122 games, the Jackson, Miss., native hit .333 with 21 home runs and 94 RBIs. His five-tool skill set was on full display, as he additionally won an MiLB Gold Glove and stole 65 bases.
“There's just things that he can do that not a lot of guys can do,” Pirates manager Don Kelly said. “Yes, we all get to see the home runs, like the ones that he hit against the Red Sox down in Fort Myers, [Fla.,] but there's a lot of things that he brings to the table that can help us win in a lot of different ways.”
Now in Pittsburgh, Griffin could be a huge spark plug for a Pirates team that has started 3-3 and has hopes of competing for a playoff spot this season.
“This is something I've dreamed of for a long time, and it's finally happening. Just super emotional with all my family that's been right by my side this whole journey,” Griffin said. “I'm absolutely pumped to be here on Opening Weekend, [getting] to play in front of the Pirates fan base for the first time. I'm super excited.”
Kelly admitted Griffin was simply trying to do too much at times during his up-and-down Spring Training. Kelly said his young infielder took the assignment to Indianapolis with grace, and he used the opportunity to get back on track offensively.
“It's hard when you get to the end of Spring Training and you're fighting for a team,” Kelly said. "And then when you don't make the team, [there’s usually] a letdown that happens. You didn't see that with him. He just went right down, hit his stride and was able to reset in a couple of days. Again, for anybody that's really impressive, especially for a 19-year-old kid.”
With the eyes of the entire league focused on his debut, Kelly believes Griffin is acutely prepared to deliver on the hype.
“I’m pumped for the whole team, the city of Pittsburgh, the fans and for Konnor,” Kelly said. “Just the excitement around the ballpark, around the city. I mean, can you believe he’s 19 years old, the way he handled the press conference, how he's been able to handle everything? Just fascinating the way that he carries himself and the way he works. Everything he says, he backs up every single day.”
A familiar face in the Pirates’ clubhouse may help alleviate some of the nerves. Conveniently situated next to Griffin’s first big league locker is that of outfielder Jake Mangum, a fellow Jackson Prep alumni. In their brief time around each other during Spring Training, Mangum noted Griffin’s ability to block out the noise, a common theme from many of those who have been around the infielder.
“It’s exciting, man,” Mangum said. “I know there’s a lot of people from Jackson Prep and the Jackson metro area in the state of Mississippi that are really excited to see him make his Major League debut, and I’m definitely one of them, too. Happy he’s here. I know all the work he’s put in this offseason and in the past. Special kid, special talent. Really excited to have him on board.”