Fans are not happy with Pirates’ decision on top prospect Konnor Griffin

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Fans are not happy with Pirates’ decision on top prospect Konnor Griffin

by Grey Papke

Konnor Griffin smiling
Aug 2, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Konnor Griffin who was the ninth overall pick in first round of the 2024 First-Year Player Draft looks on at the batting cage before a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The Pittsburgh Pirates made a decision on Saturday that left a lot of their fans deeply disappointed.

The Pirates demoted top prospect Konnor Griffin to minor league camp on Saturday, the team announced. That means he will not make the Opening Day roster.

Griffin, a shortstop and center fielder, is regarded as the No. 1 prospect in all of baseball. The team has no clear option at the shortstop position right now, so many Pirates fans were hoping he would make the team, and were deeply upset that he will not.

On one hand, the frustration is understandable. On the other, Griffin hit just .171 in spring training, though he did add four home runs. He is only 19 and has played just 21 games above A-ball, and it is plausible he needs more seasoning.

There is also the reality that the Pirates might be trying to forestall Griffin’s service clock and possibly get an extra year of team control out of him. Regardless, there is a solid chance Griffin will be up before the end of the season, even if he is not there for Opening Day.

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