Konnor Griffin turned a brutal Saturday into a legendary Sunday, stepping up with the bases loaded and delivering a clutch two-run single to break a tie and seal a Pirates win. Just days after striking out twice in a loaded situation, he adjusted his approach, showcasing maturity beyond his 20 years. Manager Don Kelly praised his growth—fueled by living on his own and getting married since being drafted—and his fearless base-running, which shattered an 111-year franchise record with his 20th steal in just 59 games. Griffin’s speed even unsettled pitchers, leading to errors and extra bases, while his diving catches proved he’s a complete player. Each steal? Just another fuel for his fire.

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With the MLB draft just days away and the Pirates holding the fifth pick, the biggest question is: catcher or not? After years of struggle behind the plate, the team’s top target might be Vahn Lackey — a Georgia Tech standout with a .397 average, 20 homers, and 78 RBIs — a rare power-hitting catcher. Ryder Helfrick offers solid defense and pop, while outfielders like Eric Booth Jr. bring athleticism. But if you’re looking to fix the most glaring need, grabbing Lackey at five could be the move that transforms this roster.

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Pirates chase playoff glory by targeting elite bullpen arms before the deadline, with Luke Weaver’s scorching streak and potential affordability making him a top candidate to end their 9-year drought.

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Konnor Griffin, the 20-year-old Pirates shortstop, turned in a game for the ages—singles, steals, and jaw-dropping defense that carried Pittsburgh to an 11-5 win over the Nationals. From diving stops to sun-battling catches and a clutch eighth-inning single that broke a tie and sealed the victory, Griffin proved he’s not just talented—he’s a future cornerstone. His maturity and all-around impact in high-leverage moments signal a generational talent on the rise.

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The Pittsburgh Pirates hold the fifth overall pick in the MLB draft and are eyeing top talents like Roch Cholowsky, Vahn Lackey, Grady Emerson, and Jacob Lombard—any of whom sliding to No. 5 could be a dream scenario. If those stars are gone, they’re still locked in on elite college pitcher Jackson Flora, who dominated with a 12-0 record and a 1.06 ERA, or high school phenom Eric Booth Jr., a Mississippi-born outfielder with elite speed and power. With a history of drafting pitchers and prep stars, the Pirates are poised to make a bold, strategic move that could reshape their future.

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Skenes Soars to Third All-Star Game | Pittsburgh Pirates News

The Braves, atop their division at 52-37, head to Pittsburgh to face the 46-45 Pirates in a pivotal three-game series — their fourth matchup this season. The Pirates boast a stellar .262 team average (2nd in NL) and a strong home record (23-22), while the Braves are elite on the road (25-19) and thrive when they hit eight or more times. Pirates’ Brandon Lowe leads with 21 homers, while Valdez is heating up; Braves’ Matt Olson leads with 24 homers, and Michael Harris II is delivering. Both teams are 5-5 in their last 10 games, but the Braves are 4-6 with a dip in average. Key injuries plague both sides. The Pirates are slight favorites, but with firepower on both benches and a high-stakes opener at 6:40 PM ET, this promises to be a thrilling clash.

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Paul Skenes, the Pirates’ ace, just earned his third straight NL All-Star nod — a rare feat that places him in elite company with Pirates legends like Rip Sewell and Elroy Face, and makes him the first Pirate pitcher since Andrew McCutchen to achieve this three-peat. Despite a tougher season, his stats remain elite: a 3.62 ERA, 119 strikeouts (4th in MLB), and a .211 batting average against, with a solid 1.01 WHIP. He’s one of only a handful of pitchers in MLB history to be named an All-Star in each of their first three seasons, joining legends like Dwight Gooden and Tom Seaver. His manager, Don Kelly, backs his selection wholeheartedly. But here’s the twist: Skenes is slated to pitch Sunday — just two days before the All-Star Game — and the Pirates aren’t changing his rotation, meaning he likely won’t play. In fact, he’s even advocating for teammate Braxton Ashcraft to get the nod if he can’t make it. The 96th All-Star Game is set for July 14 in Philly — and we’ll have to wait and see who ends up on the roster and if any last-minute replacements are made.

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