MLB prospect expert foreshadows Pirates' possible aggression with Konnor Griffin

If we're being honest, the biggest X-factor for the Pittsburgh Pirates' 2026 season might be Konnor Griffin. The No. 1 prospect in all of baseball has every tool in the toolbox, and it's just a matter of time before it's all on display in the big leagues.

So far in the early going of spring training, veterans like Brandon Lowe are in awe of the 19-year-old's power. Blasting a home run off a brand-name in Ranger Suarez during Grapefruit League action only served to confirm that the praise was worthy.

We learned back in November from Jeff Passan that the Pirates were leaning towards giving Griffin every chance to win the starting shortstop job this spring, and now here we are, and the chorus of support for his ascension is only growing louder.

Prospect Expert Jonathan Mayo joins the ever-growing crowd calling for Konnor Griffin to make the Pirates Opening Day Roster

For most prospects who haven't yet turned 20 and have just one year of experience in pro ball, the idea of them breaking camp on the big league roster isn't just far-fetched. It's a fever dream. However, Griffin isn't most prospects.

With a combined .333/.415/.527 line with 21 homers and 65 steals across three stops at Bradenton, Greensboro, and Altoona, there isn't much left for Griffin to prove in the minors. Sure, he hasn't gotten a taste of Triple-A Indianapolis yet, but the largest jump is typically from Hi-A to Double-A, whereas large swaths of Triple-A rosters are reserved for depth players and veterans whose careers are hanging on by a thread. Griffin could get some extra seasoning there, but the impact it would have on his development would be nearly nonexistent.

Harold Reynolds and Matt Vasgersian on MLB Network Hot Stove advocated for Griffin on the Opening Day roster, with Reynolds highlighting the Prospect Promotion Incentive (PPI) as additional motivation for Pittsburgh to act quickly.

"[But] they will get rewarded if he has a big year. That was one of the things that changed with the last CBA, so there's a better chance now than maybe five years ago that he gets to the big leagues at 19. Why not? If he's ready to play and he's shown he can play and you need a drawing card, let him develop and grow up." Reynolds said.

MLB.com prospect guru Jonathan Mayo put it even more bluntly in another MLB Network appearance, saying, "I think the Pirates are going to take a very long look at him at shortstop this spring. If you're trying to compete in the NL Central, I don't see how you don't start the year with Konnor Griffin in the lineup."

Competing in the NL Central? Sounds like a foreign concept, especially after some of the putrid performances we saw last year. But with the additions the Pirates have made and Griffin holding down the starting shortstop role, it's not as crazy as it may seem.

The Pirates might not even need Griffin to be a superstar right out of the gate. At minimum, his glove is MLB-caliber and would help shore up some defensive concerns. If he and Jared Triolo are the duo starting every day on the left side of the infield, you actually start feeling good about how the defense looks.

Meanwhile, if the uber-prospect can hit at a league-average clip, he'll already be providing a ton of value. Any more, and it's not hard to squint and see Pittsburgh becoming a force.

As the calls grow louder, it will be harder and harder for the Pirates to ignore the buzz. At this point in time, there are more pros than cons to letting him start the year in the majors. If that happens, get your popcorn ready.