Our Wednesday “First Call” has NESN’s reaction to Konnor Griffin’s two homers against the Boston Red Sox. Omar Khan dodges a question about Tyreek Hill. Dallas’ Brandon Aubrey may adjust the kicker market before Chris Boswell becomes a free agent.
And it’s a busy night for Pittsburgh college basketball.
Making the point
Pirates No. 1 prospect Konnor Griffin homered in his first plate appearance of Tuesday’s 16-7 Buccos spring-training romp over the Boston Red Sox.
KONNOR GRIFFIN SENDS ONE WAY OUT ???? ???? pic.twitter.com/WeK3EcDn4U
— SportsNet Pittsburgh (@SNPittsburgh) February 24, 2026
Then the 19-year-old shortstop homered again in the third inning.
Konnor Griffin ... WOW ????
— MLB (@MLB) February 24, 2026
MLB's No. 1 prospect goes yard AGAIN! pic.twitter.com/F1VTJnWlWB
Former MLB infielder and NESN broadcaster Lou Merloni summed up the thoughts of many Pirates fans after that second ball was sailing over the wall.
“They’re wondering if he is going to make the team? He should hit third,” Merloni exclaimed.
The first homer traveled 374 feet. The second one went 440. According to TribLive’s Kevin Gorman, both came on breaking balls and had exit velocities of 104.8 and 111.2 mph.
Tyreek time?
Steelers general manager Omar Khan was asked Tuesday if he might make a run at wide receiver Tyreek Hill in free agency.
“We like the group that. … Yeah, I’m not going to talk about any specific players right now. It’s early,” Khan told Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio. “We’re evaluating everything.”
It’s funny that Khan almost defaulted back to his usual “We like the group” trope about the wide receivers. That’s just not a line he can use anymore after two straight seasons of trying to justify the lack of a No. 2 wide receiver. The “group” right now is essentially DK Metcalf, Roman Wilson and Ben Skowronek.
That doesn’t mean they need to add Hill specifically. His recent injury and off-the-field baggage are worthy red flags. But the franchise certainly needs WR help both in the draft and free agency.
Just for kicks
Steelers kicker Chris Boswell is one of the finest in the game at his position. He is entering the last year of his contract at $4.72 million against the salary cap.
Brandon Aubrey of Dallas is another one of the best. He is a restricted free agent. According to Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News, “Aubrey was offered a deal with an average salary of close to $7.5 million but is looking for nearly $10 million per season.”
That would set quite a bar for Boswell when he enters negotiations. Harrison Butker of Kansas City has the largest contract at his position with an average salary of $6.4 million.
Aubrey is 30. He has made three Pro Bowls and one All-Pro team. According to Watkins, Dallas opened contact talks with Aubrey’s agent before the start of the 2025 season, and things haven’t progressed.
More sports
• Months later, NFL admits it got another call wrong in crucial Steelers-Ravens game• Tim Benz: Don’t buy Omar Khan’s praise of Will Howard just yet. We’ve heard him sing this tune before
• Dennis Santana, Gregory Soto hope to provide Pirates right-left punch in high-leverage relief
Everyone on board
All three of Pittsburgh’s local men’s college basketball teams are in action Wednesday night.
Robert Morris (19-10) hosts Detroit Mercy (14-13) at 7 p.m. at the UPMC Events Center. The Colonials have won five in a row. Both teams are 11-7 in Horizon League play and are in a three-way tie for second place with Oakland behind first-place Wright State by two games.
Pitt is looking for a second consecutive win. The Panthers are at Stanford at 8 p.m. Jeff Capel’s crew hasn’t enjoyed consecutive wins since Dec. 17 and 21 against Binghamton and Penn State.
And Duquesne (16-11, 8-6 Atlantic 10) welcomes Davidson (16-11, 7-7) at 7 p.m. at the UPMC Cooper Field House. The Dukes won the first meeting 89-83 in double-overtime on Dec. 30. The Dukes’ women’s team is in St. Louis at 8 p.m.
