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Manager Alex Cora of the Boston Red Sox argues with an umpire.
Going into spring training, there were a lot of eyes on Pittsburgh Pirates young star Konnor Griffin. Just 19 years old, was the top-rated MLB prospect going to crack the Pirates’ Opening Day lineup, or was he going to begin the season in Triple-A?
To say that Griffin is making an early-season statement would be, well, a serious understatement.
Against the Boston Red Sox on Tuesday, Griffin blasted two home runs, one off newly-signed Boston free agent pitcher Ranger Suárez. Talk about opening some eyes and opening some eyes in the opponent’s dugout.
Boston Red Sox Manager Alex Cora Doesn’t Beat Around the Bush About Konnor Griffin
There is a lot to like about Griffin if you’re a Pittsburgh fan. However, what he did to a Suárez when he hung a curveball on him was impressive. He launched it 374 feet over the left field seats in the first inning. His next blast off Seth Martinez went 440-feet to left center. It was a majestic blast that opened many eyes, including Red Sox manager Alex Cora.
“He’s only 19, give it a shot,” Cora said. “This whole thing about big kids can’t play that position, let’s wait and see. He’s a good one.”
Nobody is going to deny that Griffin isn’t a good one. He is. The 6-foot-3 shortstop fell to the Pirates at ninth overall in the 2024 MLB Draft. He doesn’t turn 20 years old until April 24, and maybe what impressed Cora the most was the out he made later in the game after his homers.
Griffin ground out in the sixth inning against Boston, but what caught Cora’s eye was Griffin’s hustle down the line, something not always seen on a routine ground ball in the majors.
“Yeah, the homers are great. But then he had a ground ball to third base, and he busts his (butt) going to first,” said Cora. “That’s the mark of a pro, a good player.”
Pittsburgh Pirates Need Konnor Griffin on Their 2026 Roster
Coming off a 91-loss 2025 campaign, Pittsburgh has made some changes for the upcoming season. They have brought in some players through trades. Are they going to unseat the Milwaukee Brewers at the top of the National League Central Division? No. Are they going to pass the reloaded Chicago Cubs? Very unlikely. However, can they be playing meaningful baseball in September with the expanded wild-card spots? Yes.
What might be even more impressive about Griffin is his ability to just get in the batter’s box as a 19-year-old and have confidence against anyone, no matter who is on the mound facing him, including Suárez.
“Everybody’s out here just playing baseball. So I stepped in the box and I was ready to compete,” said Griffin. “I really wasn’t worried about who was on the mound. I was just worried about what his stuff was and how I could have the best approach against that.”
However, Pittsburgh is looking to not let Paul Skenes‘ best season as a Pirate pass him by without competing in some fashion. If they are going to do that in 2026, then, along with the offseason additions, having Griffin contribute and prove that he’s one of the top prospects is a must. Making mistakes along the way is part of the growing process for a young star in the majors.
Scott Roche Scott Roche covers college football, NFL, NBA and MLB for Heavy.com and has three decades of sports writing, covering everything from college to professional sports. More about Scott Roche
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