MLB's top prospect Konnor Griffin set to make major league debut at just 19 years old

Pirates call up top prospect Griffin for MLB debut

The Pittsburgh Pirates announced Thursday that shortstop Konnor Griffin will make his major league debut Friday in their home opener against the Baltimore Orioles.

Griffin, a 19-year-old Mississippi native selected ninth overall in the 2024 MLB draft out of Jackson Preparatory School in Flowood, began his professional career in 2025. He turns 20 on April 24.

In 122 minor-league games split across Low-A Bradenton, High-A Greensboro and Double-A Altoona, Griffin batted .333 with 21 home runs, 94 RBI and 65 stolen bases. He hit four home runs in 16 spring training games this year before starting the season in Triple-A, where he went 7-for-16 with three stolen bases.

The Pirates, who sit at 3-3, face the 3-3 Orioles at 4:12 p.m. ET. Griffin’s promotion qualifies under the Prospect Promotion Incentive; a full season of service time plus a Rookie of the Year award or top-three finish in MVP or Cy Young voting would grant Pittsburgh an extra first-round draft pick.