NL Rookie of the Year favorite Konnor Griffin flashing spring power, but is he the best bet to win?
CBS Sports
by
Matt Severance
March 3, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The Pittsburgh Pirates' shortstop Konnor Griffin is currently the top prospect in Major League Baseball and the favorite to win the National League (NL) Rookie of the Year award at DraftKings Sportsbook, with odds of +280. Known for his five-tool potential, Griffin has been impressing during spring training, showcasing power with a stellar OPS of 1.124 despite a lower batting average. The 6-foot-4, 225-pounder hit .333 with 21 homers and 65 steals across three minor league levels last season, earning Baseball America's Minor League Player of the Year honor. Despite his potential, the Pirates initially planned to keep him in the minors to protect his service time, though Griffin’s strong performance may force them to promote him early.
Griffin’s rise to prominence is a testament to the Pirates' drafting prowess, as they also landed LSU pitcher Paul Skenes with the first overall pick in 2023. Skenes, now a Cy Young favorite, dominated last season and could be on his way to another award-winning campaign. However, questions linger about whether he will remain in Pittsburgh due to financial considerations. Meanwhile, other teams like the Guardians and Reds are likely regretting passing on Griffin, who was selected ninth overall despite being the best prospect available.
Griffin’s arrival marks a new era for the Pirates, as he joins Skenes to form one of the most
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 3/3/2026