Konnor Griffin, the Pittsburgh Pirates’ 19-year-old shortstop and top prospect, is slated to make his major-league debut Friday in Pittsburgh’s home opener after reportedly agreeing to a nine-year, $140 million contract. The highly anticipated matchup — Baltimore Orioles at Pittsburgh Pirates — is set for 4:12 p.m. ET at PNC Park, and will be carried on SportsNet Pittsburgh, MASN and MLB Network, with streaming available on ESPN+ and MLB.TV.
The start marks a rapid arrival for Griffin, who is expected to draw intense local attention as the Pirates unveil their home slate. According to reports, the long-term pact makes the 19-year-old one of the more notable young signings this offseason; the team and Griffin have not publicly detailed the full terms beyond the reports. The home opener setting and the size of the reported deal combine to raise expectations for the rookie’s first taste of major-league action.
On the mound, Baltimore will send right-hander Kyle Bradish (0-1, 3.86 ERA) to face Pittsburgh’s Mitch Keller, who has a spotless 0.00 ERA early in the young season. Bradish has recorded four strikeouts and owns a 1.07 WHIP so far, while Keller has three strikeouts and a 0.50 WHIP through his appearances. The matchup pairs a Baltimore rotation piece seeking consistency against a veteran Pirate who will aim to set the tone for the home crowd.
Both clubs enter the game at 3-3. The Orioles sit third in the American League East, while the Pirates are tied for third in the National League Central. Oddsmakers favor Baltimore, with the BetMGM moneyline listing the Orioles at -125 and the Pirates at +105. The spread is Orioles -1.5 and the over/under is 8.5 runs, reflecting a closely contested early-season pairing.
Beyond the on-field storyline, practical details are straightforward for fans: first pitch is scheduled for 4:12 p.m. ET (1:12 p.m. PT) at PNC Park, where temperatures are expected to be around 82°F at first pitch. Yahoo Sports will carry updates and in-game coverage for those following away from television.
Griffin’s debut will be the focal point of the night — a moment that could shape fan expectations for the Pirates’ young core if the 19-year-old produces in front of the home crowd. For Baltimore, the game is another early test as the club looks to climb the AL East standings and find a rhythm from its rotation and lineup. With both teams even in the standings and a high-profile rookie making his first appearance, Friday’s home opener has the ingredients for a memorable afternoon at PNC Park.