All eyes are on Konnor Griffin this spring, as the Pittsburgh Pirates look forward to potential roster decisions for the upcoming season. The 19-year-old, a standout prospect selected with the ninth overall pick in the 2024 draft, is the consensus top prospect in baseball after an impressive season. In 2023, Griffin showcased his talent by hitting .333 with a .941 OPS, amassing 21 home runs, 94 RBIs, and 65 stolen bases over 122 games across three minor-league levels.
This spring, Griffin has already participated in two games. Despite striking out twice in the Pirates’ Grapefruit League opener, he made a mark in the second game against the Philadelphia Phillies, where he started at shortstop. Although he went hitless, he showcased strong potential with two impressive exit velocities exceeding 100 mph, hinting at his raw power and skill.
As spring training unfolds, the competition for starting positions heats up, particularly at shortstop. Griffin is in contention with Nick Gonzales for the coveted starting role in the Pirates’ opening game against the New York Mets in just over a month. Should Gonzales take the lead, Griffin is likely to begin the season with Triple-A Indianapolis, but given his abilities, a swift transition to the majors could be on the horizon. Should he break through, he would become the first teenager to play for the Pirates since Aramis Ramirez nearly three decades ago.
In addition to Griffin’s spotlight, several other roster battles are shaping up. The bullpen features a mix of established players and hopeful newcomers, with five of the eight spots seemingly locked in. Key figures like closer Santana and free-agent signee Gregory Soto are set, while Isaac Mattson aims to build on his breakout 2025 performance. The competition is tight for the remaining spots, with promising arms like Mason Montgomery and others vying for a chance to contribute.
One more intriguing aspect of Pirates’ spring training is the battle for the final bench spot. If Griffin secures his place on the Opening Day roster, the bench will likely consist of Gonzales, Nick Yorke, and Jake Mangum among others. However, if Gonzales is chosen for shortstop, the competition for the 13th roster position is likely to involve players such as Jhostynxon García, Enmanuel Valdez, Billy Cook, and Endy Rodríguez.
The starting rotation is also taking shape, with Paul Skenes, Mitch Keller, Braxton Ashcraft, and Bubba Chandler already solidified in the top four spots. The fifth starter remains uncertain, with options like free-agent José Urquidy and veteran Mike Clevinger in contention, alongside Mlodzinski, who is being considered for a starting role after previously serving as a reliever.
As training progresses, the Pirates appear poised to cultivate a promising roster filled with young talent and seasoned players, creating an environment full of optimism for the upcoming season. The combination of established skill and burgeoning talent like Griffin holds the potential to elevate the team’s prospects in the league.