If we're being honest, the biggest X-factor for the Pittsburgh Pirates' 2026 season might be Konnor Griffin. The No. 1 prospect in all of baseball has every tool in the toolbox, and it's just a matter of time before it's all on display in the big leagues.
So far in the early going of spring training, veterans like Brandon Lowe are in awe of the 19-year-old's power. Blasting a home run off a brand-name in Ranger Suarez during Grapefruit League action only served to confirm that the praise was worthy.
We learned back in November from Jeff Passan that the Pirates were leaning towards giving Griffin every chance to win the starting shortstop job this spring, and now here we are, and the chorus of support for his ascension is only growing louder.