A new era begins for Pirates with Konnor Griffin's anticipated MLB debut

A new era is coming for the Pittsburgh Pirates. 

The Pirates announced that their top prospect and the No. 1 prospect in baseball, shortstop Konnor Griffin, will make his much-anticipated Major League debut. Pirates Insider Jason Mackey reported on Thursday that Griffin will make his debut for the Pirates' during the home opener against the Baltimore Orioles on Friday. 

Konnor Griffin is the Pirates' best option at shortstop 

Griffin making the Pirates' Opening Day roster was a long shot, as he is only 19 and didn’t perform well in the spring. In 16 games, Griffin mashed four home runs and had nine RBI, but struck out 13 times (.171 batting average) in 41 at-bats. 

The Pirates assigned Griffin to Triple-A and went with Gold Glove infielder Jared Triolo as their primary shortstop. Through five games, Triolo has not performed well — he has a batting average of .150 with a .461 OPS and four strikeouts (20 at-bats) while having -53 defensive runs saved at shortstop. 

Griffin, on the other hand, has raked in Indianapolis, batting .438 with a 1.196 OPS, and has walked (five) more than he’s struck out (four). At shortstop, Griffin has a perfect fielding percentage (1.000) and has turned three double plays. 

Konnor Griffin making his debut doesn’t mean an extension is signed, yet

Mackey adds that the Pirates and Griffin have not agreed to an extension, despite speculation that Griffin will sign one to join the Pirates' roster. The Pirates had allegedly offered Griffin $100 million before the start of the season.