Overview
- ESPN reports Pittsburgh is strongly considering giving Griffin a chance to compete for the starting shortstop job next season, though no decision has been made.
- Konnor Griffin, the No. 9 pick in 2024 and MLB.com’s top prospect, hit .333/.415/.527 with 21 home runs and 65 steals across three levels in 2025.
- Team officials are wary of rushing a teenager, noting the last teenage position player to debut was Juan Soto in 2018.
- Following an unsuccessful pursuit of free agent Josh Naylor, the Pirates are exploring trading a pitcher to upgrade the lineup, with the market expected to pick up after Thanksgiving.
- Jeff Passan reports service-time and CBA uncertainty, including potential 2027 disruptions, factors into the calculus, as Pittsburgh comes off a 71–91 season with Don Kelly retained and Paul Skenes fresh off a Cy Young.