Pirates Sign Shortstop Konnor Griffin to 9-Year Extension

The $140 million deal is the highest contract in Pirates franchise history.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 11:35pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a baseball player sliding into a base, with the player's body and uniform broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in the Pirates' colors of black, gold, and red.The Pirates' bold investment in their young shortstop Konnor Griffin signals a new era of hope and potential in Pittsburgh.Today in Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Pirates have signed 19-year-old shortstop Konnor Griffin to a 9-year, $140 million contract extension, the highest deal in franchise history. Griffin, the team's 2024 first-round draft pick, made his MLB debut just last week and has already shown flashes of his immense potential. The Pirates believe Griffin is the right player to build around as they aim to contend this season and beyond.

Why it matters

Signing Griffin to a long-term deal at such a young age signals the Pirates' commitment to building a sustainable winner in Pittsburgh. The team has struggled in recent years but believes Griffin can be the cornerstone of their next contending roster. Locking up the top prospect in baseball for nearly a decade is a bold move that could pay dividends if Griffin continues to develop as expected.

The details

The contract includes escalators that could reach $150 million and does not have any options or opt-outs. At just 19 years old, Griffin has only played 5 games in the majors so far, but has already shown his talent, recording a double and 4 RBIs in his first week. The Pirates believe Griffin's exceptional talent, strong character, and team-first mentality make him the right player to build around as they aim to return to contention.

  • Griffin was promoted to the major league roster on April 3, 2026.
  • The contract extension was announced on April 8, 2026.

The players

Konnor Griffin

A 19-year-old shortstop who was the Pirates' 1st round draft pick in 2024 and is considered the top prospect in baseball. He made his MLB debut just last week.

Bob Nutting

The owner of the Pittsburgh Pirates, who stated the contract extension reflects the team's commitment to building a winning team in Pittsburgh.

Ben Cherington

The general manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates, who praised Griffin's traits and is excited to have him as a Pirate for a long time.

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What they’re saying

“Signing Konnor is a meaningful commitment to this team, this city, and our fans. It reflects our belief in Konnor, in this season's club and in the future of our organization.”

— Bob Nutting, Owner, Pittsburgh Pirates

“Konnor represents everything we value in a player — exceptional talent, strong character, a team-first mentality, and a maturity that stood out to all of us from the beginning. He is the right person, from the right family.”

— Bob Nutting, Owner, Pittsburgh Pirates

“Since joining the organization, Konnor has consistently demonstrated the traits we want in a Pirate: a daily commitment to improvement, a team-first mindset, and a strong desire to win.”

— Ben Cherington, General Manager, Pittsburgh Pirates

What’s next

The Pirates will continue to monitor Griffin's development as he adjusts to major league pitching. If he continues to perform well, he could emerge as an All-Star and face of the franchise for years to come.

The takeaway

The Pirates' bold move to sign their top prospect to a long-term deal shows their commitment to building a winner in Pittsburgh. Griffin's talent and character make him an ideal player to build around, and the team is betting big that he can be the centerpiece of their next contending roster.