Why Pirates don't actually need Konnor Griffin to make 2026 postseason

Q: What is Konnor Griffin's role in the Pittsburgh Pirates' future?

Konnor Griffin is a prospect whose promotion is anticipated to enhance the Pirates' performance, but experts suggest the team can still compete without him.

Q: How is the Pittsburgh Pirates' current season performance?

The Pirates have a strong start to the season with a 10-7 record, placing them at the top of the National League Central.

Q: Why do experts believe the Pirates don't need Konnor Griffin for the postseason?

Experts argue that the Pirates' current roster and performance can sustain a postseason run without relying on Konnor Griffin's contributions.

Q: What factors contribute to the Pirates' success this season?

The Pirates' success is attributed to their strong start and improved team dynamics following a challenging Opening Day against the New York Mets.

Why Pirates don't actually need Konnor Griffin to make 2026 postseason originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Pittsburgh Pirates are off to a strong start this season, with a 10-7 record, sitting atop the National League Central. After a terrible Opening Day against the New York Mets, things have been looking up for the Pirates.

Things are going well for the Pirates, and the prospect promotion of Konnor Griffin is only going to make the 2026 season all the more exciting.

But, in reality, do the Pirates even need Griffin to contend for a postseason spot? Bleacher Report's Zachary D. Rymer makes the case why the Pirates don't need Griffin, and based on his production and the production of others, it's a compelling argument.

Why Pirates don't need Konnor Griffin to contend for postseason spot

"Pittsburgh Pirates: They don't need Konnor Griffin to contend," Rymer writes. "As much as Griffin is the center of attention right now, Paul Skenes is now just one part of a strong pitching staff as Oneil Cruz, Brandon Lowe, Bryan Reynolds, and Ryan O'Hearn are all raking."

Griffin signed a massive $140 million, nine-year contract this season, and could be in store for an incredibly productive Major League career.

But his slow start with a .189 batting average, five RBIs, no homers, and a .522 OPS through 11 games and 37 at-bats has been a bit of a letdown.

And yet, the Pirates haven't felt the negative side effects of such early-career struggles. They're sitting atop the NL Central, and they've been getting great production from their other hitters.

Lowe is hitting .268 with seven homers and a 1.076 OPS. Cruz looks to finally be breaking out, with a .997 OPS and a .328 average to go with five homers and seven stolen bases already this season.

More: Three ways Pirates' Paul Skenes could lose NL Cy Young Award

Add in O'Hearn's .902 OPS, Reynold's .859 OPS, and even some decent production from Nick Yorke (.738 OPS), and the Pirates offense is more than capable without Griffin.

That's not even factoring in the pitching staff, which has seen all but four pitchers begin the season with a 4.00 ERA or better. Even after Skenes blowup start, he's down to a 4.00 ERA on the year.

The Pirates are 10-7 and sitting atop the NL Central despite Griffin's struggles this year. Pittsburgh might be a postseason team even without any production from Griffin this season.

Pittsburgh doesn't even need Griffin to be a postseason contender this season. But if the Pirates could get quality production out of Griffin, they could be more than simple contenders.

The Pirates, if Griffin can begin producing at even a league-average level, could be legitimate NL Central contenders, and maybe even contend for a postseason bye. This team has such potential, especially if Griffin can hit his stride.