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Konnor Griffin Crushes Two Spring Homers as Pirates Weigh Opening Day Call

A two-homer showcase in Fort Myers sharpened the Pirates’ decision on a potential immediate promotion.

Aug 2, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Konnor Griffin who was the ninth overall pick in first round of the 2024 First-Year Player Draft in the batting cage before a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
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Feb 24, 2026; North Port, Florida, USA; Atlanta Braves second baseman Ozzie Albies (1) hits a two-run double in the first inning against the Detroit Tigers during spring training at CoolToday Park. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images

Overview

  • The 19-year-old, ranked MLB’s No. 1 prospect, homered off Red Sox lefty Ranger Suárez (estimated 374 feet, 104.8 mph) and later off Seth Martinez (440 feet, 111.2 mph) at JetBlue Park.
  • Griffin finished 2-for-4 with four RBIs in Pittsburgh’s 16-7 win, marking his first two Grapefruit League home runs.
  • High-profile praise has followed, including Bryce Harper’s on-air assessment that “He’s gonna be a stud,” plus postgame compliments from Suárez and Pirates pitcher Carmen Mlodzinski.
  • The shortstop surged through three minor-league levels in 2025, posting a .333/.415/.527 line with 21 home runs and 65 steals across 122 games to earn consensus top-prospect status.
  • Pittsburgh has not announced its roster decision, and if Griffin starts on Opening Day he would be the youngest to do so since 1999, per MLB.com reporting cited by The Sporting News.