January 28, 2026

Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop prospect Konnor Griffin is the consensus top prospect entering the 2026 season and has a path to make a major impact for fantasy baseball much earlier than expected. The Pirates selected Griffin with the ninth overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft out of Jackson Prep School. The 19-year-old made his professional debut last season but quickly progressed through the Pittsburgh system, leaving the door open for the 2026 debut. Griffin began his campaign with Low-A Bradenton and held a .338/.396/.536 line with nine home runs and 26 stolen bases across 50 games. He was then bumped up to High-A, where he showed similar upside, posting a .325/.432/.510 line with seven home runs and 33 stolen bases across a 51-game stint. The Pirates then rewarded their budding superstar with a 21-game stint at Double-A, where he would post a .960 OPS with five home runs and six swiped bags. Earlier in January, the Pirates formally invited Griffin to big-league spring training, suggesting he will be given a legitimate opportunity to make the Opening Day roster. With Pittsburgh eyeing to compete with a strong rotation led by reigning Cy Young winner Paul Skenes and the additions of Brandon Lowe and Ryan O'Hearn, Griffin would bring another potent bat to this lineup. The 19-year-old possesses immense upside across the five standard categories and would see his ADP skyrocket if he were to make the Opening Day roster. For now, he is a top high-upside pick at his 195.2 ADP on NFBC drafts.--Andy Smith