Konnor Griffin isn't only survivor of Pirates' latest roster cuts fans should watch

The Pittsburgh Pirates made another wave of spring roster cuts Tuesday, and while most eyes immediately darted to Konnor Griffin still standing, he’s not the only name fans should be circling as Opening Day decisions inch closer.

Tuesday’s moves clarified a key bullpen battle. The optioning of Evan Sisk to Triple-A Indianapolis all but hands momentum to Mason Montgomery — the left-hander acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays in the three-team offseason deal that also sent Brandon Lowe and Jake Mangum to Pittsburgh.

Montgomery now appears to have the inside track on a bullpen role, giving Pittsburgh a power lefty option with upside rather than a more traditional depth arm. Meanwhile, the reassignment of Beau Burrows, Noah Davis, Michael Darrell-Hicks and Shawn Ross came as little surprise — necessary trims rather than headline moves.

When it comes to position players, Griffin’s presence in major league camp almost feels inevitable at this point. The 19-year-old, widely regarded as the No. 1 prospect in baseball, continues to defy typical development timelines. Despite not recording a single at-bat above Double-A, he remains firmly in the mix for a roster spot — something virtually unheard of in today’s service-time-conscious MLB environment.

The Pirates have made it clear that if Griffin proves he belongs, pedigree and precedent won’t stand in the way. But while Griffin draws headlines, Alika Williams is building a case that’s harder to ignore by the day.

Alika Williams survives latest round of Pirates' spring roster cuts in surprising redemption arc

Not long ago, Williams looked like a forgotten piece. After appearing in parts of 2023 and 2024 as a glove-first utility infielder, he completely vanished from the major league picture in 2025 — despite the Pirates cycling through 57 players during a last-place season. His DFA in January felt like a quiet closing chapter.

Then came the twist: a minor league reunion… and now, a legitimate push for a roster spot. Williams is hitting .280 with a .797 OPS this spring. It’s a small sample, sure — but it’s paired with something far more sustainable: elite defensive versatility.

Williams is an outstanding defensive shortstop, more than capable at second base, and has developed into a reliable option at third. That kind of flexibility matters on a Pirates bench that still values run prevention and late-game matchups. If he hits even just enough, his glove does the rest.

Ultimately, this round of cuts wasn’t just about narrowing numbers — it was about revealing priorities. Yes, Griffin represents star-level, franchise-altering upside. But Williams represents something just as important for a team trying to turn a corner: competent, flexible depth that can actually stick.

For years, the Pirates have churned through interchangeable bench pieces without finding stability. Now, they may have stumbled back into a player who already knows the system, can anchor multiple positions, and — if this spring is real — won’t be an automatic out.

As Opening Day approaches, Griffin may still be the story everyone wants to talk about. But Williams is quickly becoming the one they need to.