Pittsburgh Pirates fans have plenty to be excited about with rookie sensation Konnor Griffin, but a recent update suggests the Rookie of the Year trophy might be a long shot this season.

The 19-year-old shortstop made his MLB debut earlier this year and has quickly become a cornerstone of the Pirates' lineup. With a blend of speed, power, and defensive prowess, Griffin has been turning heads across the league. However, when it comes to the National League Rookie of the Year race, he's currently sitting in fourth place according to both betting odds and expert polls.

In a recent survey by MLB.com, 39 experts ranked their top five rookies on a 5-4-3-2-1 scale. Griffin landed in fourth place, receiving just two first-place votes. For context, that puts him behind New York Mets starter Nolan McLean (the current favorite), along with Sal Stewart and JJ Wetherholt.

Despite the odds, Griffin's numbers tell a story of a player finding his groove. Through his first 33 games, he's batting .256 with 3 home runs and 19 RBIs. But his recent surge is what's really catching attention: over his last 10 games, he's hitting a scorching .316 with a .913 OPS, including a memorable four-hit performance against the Reds on May 2. He also leads all NL rookies with 9 stolen bases and is tied for first in triples.

Griffin signed a massive nine-year, $140 million contract shortly after his debut—a clear sign of the Pirates' long-term commitment. While this year's Rookie of the Year award may go to someone else, Pittsburgh fans know the last Pirates rookie to win the honor was Paul Skenes in 2024. Griffin might not follow that exact path this season, but his trajectory suggests bigger things are ahead.