Pirates' ace starter Skenes joins chorus of praise for MLB's top prospect Griffin

Konnor Griffin is just 19 years old.

This season, you might get tired of hearing this, maybe sooner than later. Yet, it’s a phrase worth repeating, and people seem unable to stop mentioning it.

How is it possible that a young player, expected to graduate high school in 2025 under a normal timeline, is already this self-assured—on the field and beyond? How could he have been drafted over a year ago, rapidly climbed through Triple-A, and even in just his second major league spring training, managed solid hits off the reigning National League Cy Young winner?

Many players spend their entire careers chasing such achievements, while Griffin, who got married less than a month ago, is ticking off life’s milestones with the calm, composed, and quietly confident demeanor of a seasoned veteran. There’s no arrogance, only relentless daily hard work, “soaking it up like a sponge,” constantly evolving—even as comparisons to Alex Rodriguez, Bobby Witt Jr., and Mike Trout begin to surface.

“It’s really special,” Griffin said. “Those are all great players, but I haven’t played a single major league game yet. They succeeded at the highest level, and I’m still working towards that. So until I reach their level, I’ll keep being myself and take it one step at a time.”

Griffin said that even when he reaches the majors, he will maintain this work ethic because the gap between talent and mindset can only be bridged through hard work.

Although full team workouts officially start next Tuesday, Griffin arrived early at Pirates’ camp this week and stepped into the batter’s box against Paul Skenes during live batting practice. In their first matchup, the right-handed pitcher got Griffin out with three fastballs. But Griffin quickly adjusted, and in the second round, he drove a slider sharply into left field.

This was live batting practice without defenders, so it’s hard to say if that ball would have landed for a hit, but let’s give the young player the benefit of the doubt.

Incidentally, Skenes himself is only 23 years old and does not hold back his praise.

“I find it pretty interesting that every time I see a report about Griffin, they have to emphasize he’s 19, because you just wouldn’t know,” Skenes said after the game. “The way he handles things is very mature and professional. When you talk to him, you’d never guess he’s just a 19-year-old kid.”

“It’s going to be fun. I’m excited to see his development and to watch him help us win a lot of games this year in Pittsburgh.”

Based on Griffin’s current trajectory, his major league debut is likely in 2026. He began his professional career last season starting at 1A Bradenton, then was promoted to 2A Altoona by season’s end. Across three levels, he posted a slash line of .333/.415/.527 with 21 homers, 94 RBIs, 65 stolen bases, 50 walks, and led all minor leaguers with a 165 wRC+. His “20 home runs and 60 steals” season marks only the fifth time in history that feat has been accomplished.

Currently, Griffin ranks behind Nick Gonzales on the Pirates’ shortstop depth chart, though Gonzales has played just 30 games at shortstop in 231 major league appearances, spending most of his time (199 games) at third base. Notably, Griffin and Jared Triolo took many ground balls at shortstop during Thursday’s spring training, while Gonzales and Enmanuel Valdez worked the third base side.

“I’m really looking forward to the day he puts on a Pittsburgh uniform,” said manager Don Kelly. “Whenever that day comes, we’ll take it as it comes, and we’ll be very excited.”

Griffin’s high school and minor league performances have far exceeded expectations, and Pirates fans, hungry for offensive firepower, understandably want him in a Pittsburgh jersey now. But patience and development have their value, and learning to handle adversity is part of growth.

Whether Griffin makes the opening day roster depends on more than just stats. Did we mention he’s only 19? Because of that, skipping Triple-A and jumping straight to the majors would be a very tough call.

But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible.

“Absolutely—” Kelly started to say but then held back. “Based on how he works, he… yes, it’s possible, but I’m not sure. Let’s see how things develop.”

No need to rush.

After all, Griffin is only 19 years old.