Pirates Predicted to Cut Ties with $24 Million Two-Time All-Star After Konnor Griffin Extension

The Pirates' big investment in top prospect Konnor Griffin could lead to the departure of veteran second baseman Brandon Lowe.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 5:26pm

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The Pittsburgh Pirates have made a major investment in top prospect Konnor Griffin, signing him to a 9-year, $140 million extension. However, this big contract could force the team to make tough decisions elsewhere, including potentially cutting ties with recently acquired second baseman Brandon Lowe, who is in the final year of his contract.

Why it matters

The Pirates' decision to extend Griffin signals their commitment to building around the young star, but it also raises questions about how they will manage their payroll and roster going forward. Lowe has been productive so far this season, but his age and contract status could make him expendable as the team focuses on the long-term future.

The details

According to FanSided's Christopher Kline, the Pirates may not be able to afford to re-sign Lowe, who is projected to command a 3-year, $46 million deal on the free agent market. With Griffin expected to be a centerpiece of the Pirates' lineup for years to come, the team may decide Lowe is the odd man out, despite his strong start to the 2026 season.

  • The Pirates extended Konnor Griffin to a 9-year, $140 million contract earlier this offseason.
  • Brandon Lowe was acquired by the Pirates in a trade this past offseason.
  • Lowe is currently in the final year of his contract with the Pirates.

The players

Konnor Griffin

The Pirates' top prospect, who they recently signed to a 9-year, $140 million extension.

Brandon Lowe

The veteran second baseman the Pirates acquired this offseason, who is in the final year of his contract.

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What they’re saying

“Brandon Lowe has done nothing but rake so far in Pittsburgh...With Griffin joining the middle of this Pirates order, or potentially batting leadoff ahead of Lowe, we should see Pittsburgh's collective run output start to perk up. That is an incredible duo in the middle of an infield. That said, there's a reason the Rays were willing to dump Lowe in Pittsburgh this offseason. He's on an expiring contract and, in his age-32 season, the Pirates will need to think long and hard about how much — and how long — to commit to Lowe as a free agent.”

— Christopher Kline, FanSided Writer

What’s next

The Pirates will have to decide whether to re-sign Brandon Lowe to a multi-year deal this offseason or let him depart in free agency.

The takeaway

The Pirates' big investment in top prospect Konnor Griffin could force them to make tough roster decisions, including potentially cutting ties with veteran second baseman Brandon Lowe despite his strong start to the 2026 season. This highlights the challenges small-market teams face in balancing long-term building with short-term competitiveness.