Pirates Phenom Konnor Griffin Nearing $100M Contract Extension

The 19-year-old shortstop is already turning heads in Spring Training.

Feb. 27, 2026 at 12:09pm

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The Pittsburgh Pirates are reportedly pursuing a contract extension with their top prospect, 19-year-old shortstop Konnor Griffin, that could be worth over $100 million. Griffin, the 9th overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft, has been turning heads in Spring Training and is expected to make the Pirates' Opening Day roster, if not soon after. The Pirates have never signed a player to such a lucrative deal before their MLB debut, but Griffin's immense potential has the team eager to lock him up long-term.

Why it matters

Signing a 19-year-old phenom to a $100 million contract before he's even played in the majors would be an unprecedented move for the small-market Pirates, showcasing their commitment to building around Griffin as a potential franchise cornerstone. It also highlights the incredible hype and expectations surrounding Griffin, who is already considered one of the top prospects in baseball.

The details

According to Pirates reporter Jason Mackey, the team is pursuing an 8-9 year contract extension with Griffin that would buy out at least a couple of his free agent years. This would provide Griffin financial security early in his career while also giving the Pirates control over the young star for an extended period. However, it's unclear if Griffin is interested in forgoing his chance at free agency or if he'd prefer to reach that milestone as soon as possible.

  • Konnor Griffin was the 9th overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft.
  • Griffin is currently impressing in Spring Training with the Pirates.

The players

Konnor Griffin

A 19-year-old shortstop prospect who was the 9th overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft and is considered one of the top young talents in baseball.

Pittsburgh Pirates

The MLB team that drafted Konnor Griffin and is now pursuing a lucrative contract extension with the young phenom.

Jason Mackey

A reporter who covers the Pittsburgh Pirates and has reported on the team's efforts to sign Konnor Griffin to a long-term deal.

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What they’re saying

“If it happens, it'll be for more than $100 million.”

— Jason Mackey, Pirates reporter

What’s next

The Pirates will continue negotiating with Konnor Griffin and his representatives in the hopes of signing the young star to a long-term contract extension before he makes his MLB debut.

The takeaway

The Pirates' pursuit of a $100 million contract extension for 19-year-old Konnor Griffin, who has yet to play in the majors, underscores the immense hype and potential surrounding the young shortstop. If completed, it would be an unprecedented move for the small-market franchise, showcasing their commitment to building around Griffin as a potential franchise cornerstone.