Pirates Phenom Konnor Griffin Finalizes Largest Contract in Franchise History

19-year-old shortstop set to earn $140 million over 9 years before playing a single MLB game.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 8:33pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball player in motion, with the player's form fractured and abstracted into sharp, overlapping planes of black, gold, and white.The Pirates' record-breaking contract with top prospect Konnor Griffin signals the team's commitment to building around young talent.Today in Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Pirates have announced they are promoting 19-year-old shortstop Konnor Griffin, the top prospect in baseball, directly to the major league roster. In a surprising move, the team is also finalizing a record-breaking 9-year, $140 million contract with Griffin, the largest deal in franchise history.

Why it matters

This deal represents a major investment by the Pirates in their future, locking up their top prospect long-term before he has even played in an MLB game. It signals the team's belief that Griffin has superstar potential and is willing to pay a premium to secure his services for nearly a decade.

The details

The proposed 9-year, $140 million contract for Griffin would surpass the previous franchise record of 8 years, $106.5 million given to outfielder Bryan Reynolds in 2023. Griffin's deal is also larger than the 8-year, $130 million contract signed by Red Sox prospect Roman Anthony last August, which had been the benchmark for top young talent.

  • On Thursday, the Pirates announced they were promoting Griffin to the major league roster.
  • The record-breaking contract is still being finalized, but is expected to be completed soon.

The players

Konnor Griffin

A 19-year-old shortstop who is considered the top prospect in baseball. He has yet to play in an MLB game.

Bryan Reynolds

An outfielder for the Pirates who previously held the franchise record with an 8-year, $106.5 million contract signed in 2023.

Roman Anthony

A prospect for the Boston Red Sox who signed an 8-year, $130 million contract last August, previously the benchmark for top young talent.

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What’s next

The contract details are still being finalized, but the deal is expected to be completed soon, locking up the Pirates' top prospect long-term.

The takeaway

This record-breaking contract for a teenage prospect with no MLB experience demonstrates the Pirates' faith in Konnor Griffin's immense potential and their willingness to make a massive financial commitment to secure their future franchise cornerstone.