The Pittsburgh Pirates are deep into negotiations with top prospect Konnor Griffin on a potential long-term contract extension, according to ESPN. The 19-year-old outfielder, recently optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis, has impressed early in the minors. Discussions draw comparisons to recent pre-debut deals for other top talents.
Pittsburgh Pirates officials are actively discussing a long-term extension with Konnor Griffin, one of baseball's top prospects for the 2026 season. ESPN reports the team is deep into negotiations with the 19-year-old, who was sent to Triple-A Indianapolis after a spring training stint where he hit .171/.261/.488. In four games with the Indians, Griffin is batting .462 with three doubles and two stolen bases, showcasing his power and speed potential. CBS Sports recently ranked him as the No. 3 prospect in baseball, behind Detroit's Kevin McGonigle and Milwaukee's Jesús Made. R.J. Anderson of CBS Sports noted Griffin's improved contact rate above 75% in his first professional season, along with elite exit velocity over 114 mph and 65 stolen bases, while keeping strikeouts under 24% even in Double-A. The Pirates are eyeing a structure similar to Corbin Carroll's eight-year, $111 million deal with Arizona before his full-season debut. Griffin's representatives are reportedly referencing Roman Anthony's eight-year, $130 million agreement with Boston, signed shortly after his debut. A compromise around eight years and $120 million appears plausible. Such a pre-debut pact would join recent examples, including Seattle's record extension with prospect Colt Emerson this week.