The Pittsburgh Pirates have discussed a possible long-term contract extension with Konnor Griffin, MLB Pipeline’s No. 1 overall prospect, according to a source. Talks have focused on a deal up to nine years and over $100 million, though details are not finalized. The 19-year-old shortstop is competing for an Opening Day roster spot.
A source informed MLB.com’s Jonathan Mayo that the Pirates have held discussions with Konnor Griffin about a long-term extension. The source stated that details “have yet to be hammered out, but the talk has been around a deal for as long as nine years and north of $100 million.” Griffin, selected ninth overall in the 2024 Draft, is 19 years old and vying for Pittsburgh’s starting shortstop role on Opening Day. Such a debut would make him the first teenager to start on Opening Day since Ken Griffey Jr. in 1989. In 15 Spring Training games, Griffin has hit .184 with an .805 OPS and four home runs, impressing with his power and maturity. Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes remarked earlier this spring, “I’m excited to have him help us win a lot of games in Pittsburgh this year.” Last season, Griffin slashed .333/.415/.527 with 21 homers and 65 stolen bases across three minor league levels, ending at Double-A Altoona. This marked only the fifth 20-60 season (20 homers, 60 steals) in minor league history. Pre-debut extensions are uncommon but not unheard of: seven players have signed before their MLB debut. Detroit Tigers’ Colt Keith did so in January 2024 with zero service time, while Baltimore Orioles’ Samuel Basallo (five days) and Boston Red Sox’s Kristian Campbell (six days) signed shortly after debuting.
