While the Pittsburgh Pirates’ present is looking solid after their first six games, they will get a look at an important piece of their future when they host the Baltimore Orioles in their home opener Friday afternoon.
The Pirates are seeking their third win in a row and aiming to climb above .500 for the first time since Aug. 4, 2024. They’ll send right-hander Mitch Keller (0-0, 0.00 ERA) to the mound to oppose Orioles right-hander Kyle Bradish (0-1, 3.86).
But the imminent arrival of their top overall prospect, 19-year-old shortstop Konnor Griffin, who is expected to make his major league debut, figures to be an even more important moment for the franchise.
Griffin was formally called up Thursday amid reports that he will sign a nine-year, $140 million contract, breaking the record for largest deal before a prospect’s MLB debut.
Many expected Griffin, the No. 9 overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft, to open the season on the big-league roster. But Pittsburgh reassigned Griffin to minor league camp March 21 after he hit just .171 in 16 spring training games. Griffin opened the regular season at Triple-A Indianapolis, and hit 7-for-16 (.438) including three doubles and a 1.196 OPS.
“It was tough because I felt like I was so close,” Griffin told reporters recently. “But I also now have a little more time to prepare. I can get back to doing what I do.”
Griffin’s arrival could boost the Pirates’ production at the position both at the plate and defensively. Jared Triolo and Nick Gonzales have taken most of the reps at shortstop and have a combined minus-1 defensive runs saved.
At three minor league levels last year, Griffin hit .333 with a .941 OPS in 122 games, including 21 home runs, 23 doubles, four triples and 94 RBIs. He also stole 65 bases and won a Gold Glove at shortstop, backing up the high expectations and rankings he’s earned from every major prospectus publication.
Bradish, who is considered a co-ace of the Orioles’ staff along with Trevor Rogers, will try to slow down the talented rookie. Bradish gave up two earned runs on two hits and three walks while striking out four in 4 2/3 innings in his 2026 debut last Saturday against Minnesota.
The Orioles are counting on Bradish to provide more length and stability for their rotation in the wake of Zach Eflin’s injury. Eflin was placed on the 15-day injured list Wednesday due to right elbow discomfort. It’s unclear how long Eflin is expected to be out.
“They don’t waver. They fight, they compete,” Orioles first-year manager Craig Albernaz said. “We knew right from the jump when everyone showed up, it was still the same energy. Obviously, a lot of people were thinking about Zach.”
Keller threw six shutout innings, allowing only three hits and no walks while striking out three last Saturday against the Mets. He is 1-1 with a 0.69 ERA with 14 strikeouts in two career starts against Baltimore.
Baltimore’s big offseason acquisition, first baseman Pete Alonso, appears to be settling in to his new digs, hitting .304 with a home run in 23 at-bats so far. Taylor Ward leads the Orioles at the plate, hitting .333 with two doubles and four RBIs.
–Field Level Media
