In the United States, Konnor Griffin, the 19-year-old shortstop, was vying for a position on the Pittsburgh Pirates' roster during spring training, aiming to become the first teenager to start on Opening Day since Adrian Beltre in 1999. Despite his efforts, Griffin struggled in Grapefruit League play, hitting only .171, although he showcased his power with four home runs among his seven hits. Following discussions about a long-term extension with the team, the Pirates chose to start the season with Nick Gonzales at shortstop instead, as they decided to defer Griffin's major league debut, which has been anticipated due to his exceptional minor league performance, including solid OPS numbers across three levels and significant base-stealing success. The Pirates acknowledged the need to optimize their performance during the early season, especially under the management of Cy Young Award winner Paul Skenes, who has become an influential figure.