When Could Konnor Griffin Make Pirates Debut? MLB Insider Dishes on Latest Rumors

Pittsburgh Pirates phenom Konnor Griffin reportedly could begin the 2026 MLB season in the big leagues.

According to ESPN's Jeff Passan, the Pirates are "strongly considering" giving the 19-year-old Griffin a chance to earn their starting shortstop job this coming season.

Griffin was the No. 9 overall pick in the 2024 MLB draft out of high school, and he hit the ground running during his first year of professional baseball in 2025.

Appearing in 122 games across the A, High-A and Double-A levels, Griffin slashed .333/.415/.527 with 21 home runs, 94 RBI, 117 runs scored and 65 stolen bases.

Griffin primarily played shortstop, but he also saw action in center field, and he is now MLB.com's No. 1 overall prospect in baseball.

Per Passan, Griffin would be the first teenager to make their MLB debut since Juan Soto in 2018 if he begins the 2026 season on Pittsburgh's roster.

However, the decision is "by no means decided" due in part to the uncertainty of a potential lockout that could come in 2027 after the expiration of the current collective bargaining agreement.

Passan noted that in the event that the 2027 season is lost, coupled with the players possibly negotiating a quicker path to free agency in the next CBA, starting Griffin's service-time clock in 2026 could cost the Pirates multiple years of team control.

Of course, none of that is certain to happen, and if Griffin proves himself to be the Pirates' top option at shortstop during spring training, it may behoove them to give him a shot.

The Pirates are coming off a 71-91 season and they have not reached the playoffs since 2015.

Ace pitcher and reigning National League Cy Young Award winner Paul Skenes has been the one bright spot for the franchise over the past couple of seasons, but rumors and speculation have emerged about him wanting to play elsewhere in the future.

Winning may be the best way to convince Skenes that Pittsburgh is the best place for him long term, and if Griffin can contribute to winning baseball in 2026, there is reason for the Pirates to at least consider giving him the call next season.