Konnor Griffin Gets the Call and Becomes Fantasy Baseball’s Most Hyped Prospect

Fantasy baseball managers must pick up Konnor Griffin as soon as possible, if possible. The Pirates debut the MLB's top-ranked prospect on Friday, April 3.

Mar 1, 2026; Jupiter, Florida, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Konnor Griffin (75) celebrates 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

The news is out in Pittsburgh — Konnor Griffin is making the big leagues. We knew that Griffin, MLB's No. 1 rated prospect, would be coming up any day now. That day is now here. Griffin will be set in the Pirates lineup for Friday's 4:12 PM start against the Baltimore Orioles. As for our own Fantasy Sports On SI analysis, we bring that fantasy baseball-based angle as to how high Griffin may be able to rise as a Rookie of the Year favorite.

Fantasy Baseball Outlook

The Pittsburgh Pirates are calling up Konnor Griffin, the No. 1 prospect in baseball, ahead of Friday's home opener. He'll start at shortstop. And if he remains with the team the rest of the season, they're eligible to receive a draft pick through the Prospect Promotion Incentive https://t.co/vpFSlila8Q

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) April 2, 2026

Griffin is the Pirates' No. 9 overall pick in the 2024 MLB draft at the age of 19. He is deemed an all-around elite player, with added baserunning tools that have netted 68 stolen bases in his 127-game MiLB career.

In 2025, Griffin put on an expose in the minor leagues, batting .333 with a .942 OPS, 21 home runs, and 94 RBI's. Of Griffin's 161 total hits, 48 were extra-base hits. Generally, minor league players struggle when they level up from A to AA and to AAA. Griffin has not, and, in fact, he has improved his average at every level. He batted .325 in Single-A, .337 in Double-A, and .438 in his 5 Triple-A starts in 2025.

The expectation of Griffin will be huge. He can clearly hit the ball all around the baseball diamond, hence his strong batting average. Griffin does not bring huge power, but he can hit a home run every 7-10 games. The greatest value-add of Griffin may then be his baserunning, which he stole bases at an 83% success rate in over 50% of games.

In fantasy baseball, Griffin was drafted at an ADP of Hitter No. 113. Currently, he is owned at a 37% clip, per ESPN Fantasy. All this has been considered with Griffin in the minor leagues, but he is now up with the big boys. As far as we should be concerned, Griffin is a top-100 hitter in fantasy baseball. He very well can become top-50 and even higher. The world is his, should Griffin will it.

Fantasy baseball managers must hit the waiver wire ASAP, and if Griffin is still available, grab him. If you work in a FAB (Auction) league, do not shy away from spending on Griffin. The season is young, so you cannot drain your FAB. However, spending over 20% is not crazy at all for a player with rare upside. We hype Griffin in a big way, but he is the No. 1 prospect for a reason. Added — the Pirates are not half bad in 2026.