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.
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.”