The Pittsburgh Pirates are calling up Konnor Griffin, the No. 1 prospect in baseball, ahead of their home opener against the Baltimore Orioles on Friday.
At 19 years and 344 days old, Griffin, who is expected to take over starting shortstop duties for Pittsburgh, would be the first teenage position player to debut since Juan Soto in 2018.
Griffin and the Pirates are engaged in discussions on a record-setting long-term contract extension, sources told ESPN’s Buster Olney. Griffin joining the Pirates before any extension is complete would allow the team to be eligible for a potential first-round draft pick through the prospect promotion incentive.
The reigning consensus minor league player of the year, Griffin spent five games with Triple-A Indianapolis this season, hitting .438/.571/.625 with three doubles and three stolen bases in 21 plate appearances. In 16 spring training games this year, Griffin hit .171/.261/.488 with a team-leading four home runs and nine RBIs.