Pirates Prospect Update: Konnor Griffin, deadline additions start hot, two call-ups

Ben Cherington's efforts at the MLB trade deadline have been appraised in many different ways by fans. Most of the initial reactions are negative, and rightfully so, as the Pirates did not get any major league help. They got a boatload of prospects and, as frustrating as this cycle has been during the last six deadlines, we get to go through it again, whether we like it or not. Some of the young players Pittsburgh received actually got off to impressive starts during their short first week on the farm, at least, starting off with the deadline's headliner Rafael Flores.

Flores has played in just two games for Indianapolis and has already laced two doubles and a single, driving in two runs. He also walked three times while striking out twice. The key offensive addition looked great in his first two games.

The other player in Triple-A is Evan Sisk, the southpaw acquired in the Bailey Falter trade. Sisk threw once, going 1.1 scoreless innings, striking out three while allowing one hit and a walk. He also generated three swings and misses.

Down in Low-A Bradenton, Edgleen Perez and Sammy Stafura did well at the plate, too. Perez played just one game, picking up two singles and a walk in three at-bats. Stafura has picked up four hits in his first four games. He's notched a double and triple, but has also struck out six times. His start has been decent, and actually got him promoted to the next level.

Pirates promote Javier Rivas and Sammy Stafura to their next respective levels.

Stafura will now head to Greensboro for his first week in High-A. On the season, he has posted a .800 OPS with a four home runs and 28 stolen bases. The Pirates' seventh-ranked prospect will be replacing Javier Rivas in High-A, as he heads to Double-A.

Rivas is unranked and has finally emerged as one of the top hitters in the farm system. Rivas has developed some great power this season, slugging 18 home runs and driving in 72 runs. His OPS of .780 really stands out in a crowded lineup. He is more known for his glove, and has mainly played third base and shortstop. In Altoona, he should play more third base since Jack Brannigan went down with shoulder surgery, yet will still see split time with the Curve's other options at the position.

Pirates top prospect Konnor Griffin unlocks another magnificent feat in his first season.

Konnor Griffin somehow just made made one of the most impressive seasons in recent Pirates prospect history even more astounding. On Sunday, Griffin stole his 50th base on the year by swiping second and third base in Greensboro's 71st victory on the year.

Griffin is the number one-rated prospect in baseball for a reason, posting a .935 OPS while batting .330 with 13 home runs, 19 doubles, and four triples. It would be fun to see him try out Double-A before the season ends, and he has earned it. This team needs him to spark the change in this historically terrible offense before they waste another season of Paul Skenes.