Pirates' Konnor Griffin Doesn't Make Opening Day Roster

The Pittsburgh Pirates' top prospect will not make his major league debut on Opening Day.

Mar 1, 2026; Jupiter, Florida, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Konnor Griffin (75) rounds the bases after hitting a two-run home run against the St. Louis Cardinals during the first inning at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

With just days left before the Pittsburgh Pirates head to Citi Field and take on the New York Mets on Opening Day, the club made a controversial decision while cutting down their roster.

The Pirates announced that Konnor Griffin has been reassigned to minor league camp, meaning he will not crack the 26-man roster to open the regular season.

ROSTER MOVE: We have reassigned INF Konnor Griffin to minor league camp. There are now 34 players remaining in Major League camp.

— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) March 21, 2026

Griffin is ranked as the No. 1 prospect in baseball by MLB Pipeline, Baseball Prospectus and Baseball America. The 19-year-old was the No. 9 overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft and posted a .941 OPS with 21 home runs, 94 RBIs and a whopping 64 stolen bases over 122 combined games between Low-A Bradenton, High-A Greensboro and Double-A Altoona.

Despite his age, Griffin appears ready to make the leap to the big leagues, but the Pirates have delayed his debut for the time being.

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