Pirates Rookie Konnor Griffin Steals Show in MLB Debut

Konnor Griffin was selected as the ninth pick in the 2024 draft and was ranked No.1 in MLB's Top 100 prospects in 2026.

Pirates Rookie Konnor Griffin Steals Show in MLB Debut

Konnor Griffin (Image via X/@TalkinBaseball_)

Konnor Griffin was the name trending on social media on Friday as the Pittsburgh Pirates took on the Baltimore Orioles. The 19-year-old stole the show on his MLB debut and showed everyone why he was the No.1 prospect.

The Pirates, who went 3-3 in their 6-game road trip to start the season, were hoping for a positive start at PNC Park. Griffin, who was selected as the 9th overall pick in the 2024 draft, was called up to the major league before their showdown against the Orioles.

In the 5 games in Triple-A, the 2006-born star had a .438/.571/.625 slash line. In 122 games in the minors last year, he hit 21 home runs, had 94 RBIs and 65 stolen bases while batting with a .333 average.

His first at-bat came in the 2nd inning. After fighting off 4 pitches against Kyle Bradish, he smashed an RBI double in the center field.

The sellout crowd at PNC Park would erupt in cheers as the youngster collected his first hit in the big leagues. This hit from him sparked a 4-run inning for the home side.

He thus became the first teenager to have a hit in the MLB since Jurickson Profar homered for the Texas Rangers in September 2012. He is also the youngest Pirates star to collect a hit in their MLB debut since Bill Mazeroski in 1956.

In his second at-bat in the 4th inning, Griffin would earn a walk. At 19 years and 344 days, he became the youngest player with a walk in his MLB debut since Aramis Ramirez in 1998. He was also the first teenaged position player in MLB since Juan Soto debuted for the Washington Nationals in 2018.

In his third at-bat in the 5th inning, Griffin ended up striking out. In his three plate appearances, the right-handed hitter saw a total of 17 pitches.

The Orioles did fight back a bit. A home run from Gunnar Henderson in the 9th inning made it a 5-4 game. However, the Pirates were able to hold on and start the homestand with a victory.

Pirates are trying to lock Konnor Griffin with historic $140 million deal

After leaving a huge mark in the minor leagues, Konnor Griffin showcased his talents in a dazzling MLB debut for the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday. As per reports, the National League side are trying to lock him with a historic $140 million deal.

Konnor Griffin
Konnor Griffin (Image via Bleacher Report)

According to reports from ESPN‘s Buster Olney, the Pirates are working on finalizing a massive 9-year, $140 million deal with the shortstop. The talks regarding a deal between the two parties started during the Spring Training.

The teenager’s camp is seeking a deal similar to the one Roman Anthony signed with the Boston Red Sox last year. In August, he and the AL East side signed an 8-year, $130 million deal.

Before this year, the largest guaranteed deal for a player before making their debut in the MLB belonged to Jackson Chourio. He had signed an 8-year, $82 million pact with the Milwaukee Brewers even before he made an MLB start for them during the Winter Meetings in 2023.

Griffin provides a massive boost to the offense of the Pirates. In the offseason, the team added former Atlanta Braves star Marcell Ozuna, first baseman Ryan O’Hearn and second baseman Brandon Lowe.

With this offense and reigning National League Cy Young Award winner Paul Skenes in the team, the Pirates are hoping to reach the playoffs this season. Their last postseason appearance came in 2015, when they lost 4-0 in the Wild Card Game against the Chicago Cubs.

Also Read: