Trending Now - Konnor Griffin, Top Prospect, Hits Third Spring Home Run

WHO:

Konnor Griffin, 19-year-old shortstop for the Pittsburgh Pirates

Kyle Leahy, St. Louis Cardinals pitcher

Paul Skenes, Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher

Mark DeRosa, manager of Team USA for the World Baseball Classic

Don Kelly, manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates

WHAT:

Konnor Griffin hit his third home run of Spring Training on March 1, 2026, during a game against the St. Louis Cardinals.

Griffin's home run was a two-run shot that traveled 408 feet and left the bat at 107.8 mph.

Griffin has hit three home runs in Spring Training, the most by a teenager in a single MLB Spring Training in at least the past 20 years.

Paul Skenes is departing for Team USA to participate in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

Skenes expressed a desire to win gold with Team USA and mentioned the bittersweet nature of leaving the Pirates during Spring Training.

WHERE:

The game against the St. Louis Cardinals took place in Jupiter, Florida.

Paul Skenes was at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches for a game against the Houston Astros.

Team USA will play exhibition games in Arizona and open pool play in Miami.

WHEN:

Konnor Griffin's home run occurred on March 1, 2026.

The Pirates drafted Griffin in the first round of the 2024 MLB Draft.

Skenes will participate in exhibition games on March 3, 2026, and March 4, 2026, and the team opens pool play on March 6, 2026.

WHY:

Griffin's performance is significant as he is showing prodigious power and may impact the Pirates' Opening Day roster.

Skenes is motivated to represent his country and win gold in the World Baseball Classic.

HOW:

Griffin's home runs have come against established Major League pitchers, showcasing his talent and readiness for the big leagues.

Skenes is participating in the World Baseball Classic despite the challenges of leaving his MLB team during Spring Training.

In an impressive display of talent, Konnor Griffin, the 19-year-old shortstop for the Pittsburgh Pirates, hit his third home run of Spring Training during a game against the St. Louis Cardinals last Monday, launching a two-run shot that traveled 408 feet at a speed of 107.8 mph. Meanwhile, Paul Skenes, another pitcher for the Pirates, is set to leave for Team USA to compete in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, expressing both excitement and a bittersweet feeling about departing from his team during this crucial time. As Griffin continues to showcase his power, he may very well influence the Pirates' Opening Day roster, while Skenes gears up for exhibition games starting tomorrow.