It’s not just another home opener for the Pirates today. 19-year-old shortstop Konnor Griffin will make his Major League debut against the Baltimore Orioles tonight and the Pirates will hold a news conference featuring Griffin at 11:25 this morning. They could very well announce the finalization of a record nine-year, $140 million contract that was reported by multiple sources, led by ESPN’s Buster Olney, yesterday. It would be the largest contract ever for a teenager and the largest for a player who has yet to make his Major League debut.
Griffin will wear jersey number six. Pitcher Bailey Falter was the last Pirate to wear that number, last season. To open up a roster spot for Griffin, the Pirates optioned outfielder Billy Cook to Indianapolis. They still have to clear a spot for Griffin on the 40-man roster before he can officially join the team.
The Pirates will be debuting their number nine uniform patch in honor of the late Hall of Famer Bill Mazeroski, who died on February 20th. They’ll also honor all-time great Bucco relief pitchers Elroy Face and Dave Giusti, who both passed away in the offseason.
On the mound, it’s a battle of right-handers, with Mitch Keller facing off against the Orioles’ Kyle Bradish. Keller went six shutout innings against the Mets in his first start last week while Bradish gave up two runs in four-and-two-thirds innings in his first start, taking a loss against the Twins.
Former Bucs All-Stars Brian Giles and Jason Kendall will team up for the ceremonial first pitch. The airtime for the Pirates today is 3:45, with Keller’s first pitch scheduled for 4:12 on WCCS.
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