Pirates GM Optimistic About Long-Term Deal with Rookie Shortstop

Cherington says 'ingredients are in place' but cautions they're not at the finish line yet.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 10:43pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball player in motion, with their body broken down into overlapping planes of vibrant black, gold, and red colors.The Pirates' push to lock up young shortstop Konnor Griffin reflects the team's strategy of retaining promising talent to build a sustainable roster.Today in Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Pirates are hopeful about signing rookie shortstop Konnor Griffin to a long-term contract, according to general manager Ben Cherington. Cherington said the team has a high level of belief in Griffin and organizational alignment around a potential deal, but cautioned they have not yet reached the finish line.

Why it matters

Signing young, promising players to long-term deals is a key strategy for small-market teams like the Pirates to build a sustainable, competitive roster. Retaining Griffin long-term would be an important step in the team's rebuilding efforts.

The details

Cherington said the team is optimistic about reaching a long-term contract with Griffin based on the player's openness, the team's conviction in his abilities, and organizational alignment around the potential deal. However, Cherington cautioned they have not yet finalized an agreement.

  • The comments from Cherington came on Wednesday, April 7, 2026.

The players

Konnor Griffin

A rookie shortstop for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Ben Cherington

The general manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates.

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What they’re saying

“I think about past experience with things like this, when they happen, it's usually some combination of the player being open and interested, the team having a high level of belief and conviction in the player, and then having organizational alignment around that.”

— Ben Cherington, General Manager

The takeaway

The Pirates' efforts to sign Konnor Griffin to a long-term deal highlight the team's strategy of retaining promising young talent as they look to build a competitive roster for the future.