Pirates might've just gotten a preview of 2026 path to success in Altoona playoff win

The Pittsburgh Pirates have some talented position player prospects in the pipeline. Three of their best are currently stationed at Double-A Altoona. The Curve made their playoffs this year and played their first game on Tuesday afternoon. They won big, taking the first game of the series 11-5 over the Erie Seawolves (the Detroit Tigers' Double-A team) with a lot of help from this trio of prospects.

Batting second for the Curve was Konnor Griffin, who needs no introduction.Griffin had rocketed through the Pirates' minor league system, starting at A-Ball Bradenton and ending his season at Altoona. Despite being in just his age-19 season, Griffin's numbers got better and better as he climbed the minor league ladder. By the time he reached Double-A, he was putting up a .961 OPS and 175 wRC+. That outstanding performance carried over into his first playoff game.

Griffin came to the plate five times, collecting three hits in total. He also drew a walk and did not strike out, driving in a run. Of his three hits, one went for extra bases, that being a double in the first inning. The only time he made an out was in the fourth inning on a groundout to the shortstop, gobbled up by fellow top prospect Kevin McGonigle.

Griffin's double play partner, Termarr Johnson, also carried over a strong second-half performance into his first playoff game. Johnson was definitely tested in a very pitcher-friendly environment this year, and there were bumps in the road for the young second baseman. He ultimately ended the year on a high note, putting up a 149 wRC+ throughout August and September. 

Pirates' trio of prospects lead Altoona Curve to impressive playoff victory (and 2026 preview?)

Johnson also stepped to the plate five times and collected two hits in this game. Both of his hits were doubles. While he did strike out once, he also drew a free pass. Johnson scored two runs during the game. The first was in the sixth inning after his second double of the game. He then scored on a single. The next time he scored was in the seventh inning after he was walked. A passed ball moved him to second base, and he was then driven in on a double.

Both hits to drive in Johnson came off the bat of Esmerlyn Valdez. Valdez had a huge breakout season this year. He showed flashes of potential at Bradenton in 2024, but made some more significant strides in his game this year and dramatically climbed prospect boards. Valdez split his season between Greensboro and Altoona, putting up a .896 OPS and 156 wRC+ between the two levels. Among this trio, Valdez had the best showing in Game 1 of his postseason run.

Valdez also collected three hits, but in four plate appearances. His first hit of the game came during the second inning, when he hit a home run off Seawolves pitcher Garrett Burhenn. That opened the scoring up for Altoona. His subsequent hit was a single that drove in Johnson, as well as Nick Cimillo, in the sixth inning. His third hit of the game was a double that scored Johnson and Cimillo once again in the eighth.

Watching Griffin, Johnson, and Valdez going off in the playoffs after performing well during the regular season should give Pirates fans at least a glimmer of hope. The Pirates' hitting this season at the Major League level has been mostly bare bones, but all three of these players have done great at arguably the toughest level of the minor leagues while all being 21 years old or younger (and, in Griffin's case, the youngest ever to make Altoona's roster). Hopefully, we can see all three contribute to the Pirates' 2026 team.