Pirates' Skenes Raises Eyebrows with Honest Take on Teammate Griffin's Record Deal

Skenes' comments spark speculation about his future in Pittsburgh amid Griffin's massive contract extension.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 12:19am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball pitcher in motion, with the figure broken down into overlapping planes of color and shape, conveying the dynamic energy of the sport.As the Pirates' top prospect signs a record-breaking deal, the team's established ace Paul Skenes ponders his own future in Pittsburgh.Today in Pittsburgh

In a surprising statement, Pittsburgh Pirates star pitcher Paul Skenes acknowledged that teammate Konnor Griffin, the team's top prospect, is now "going to be the face of the Pirates for a long time" after signing a record-breaking 9-year, $140 million contract extension. Skenes' honest assessment has led to speculation about his own future with the team, as many fans believed Skenes was the clear face of the franchise. However, Skenes is under team control through 2029, making an imminent departure unlikely despite the potential for tension.

Why it matters

Skenes' comments have raised questions about the long-term direction of the Pirates and whether the team views Griffin as the new centerpiece over the established ace. This could impact Skenes' own contract negotiations and his willingness to remain in Pittsburgh long-term, especially as the team has now set a new financial benchmark with Griffin's deal.

The details

Just six games into his MLB career, Konnor Griffin, the Pirates' top prospect, signed a 9-year, $140 million contract extension that can reach up to $150 million. In response, Skenes acknowledged that Griffin is "going to be the face of the Pirates for a long time." This statement has led to speculation that Skenes may not see a long-term future with the team, despite being under contract through 2029. Skenes was signed to a record $9.2 million signing bonus in 2023 and has been on team-friendly, pre-arbitration deals, but he will soon enter arbitration and could demand a more lucrative extension from the Pirates.

  • In July 2023, Skenes signed a record $9.2 million signing bonus with the Pirates.
  • Ahead of the 2027 MLB season, Skenes will become eligible for arbitration for the first time.
  • Skenes will become an unrestricted free agent following the 2029 season.

The players

Paul Skenes

The star starting pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates, who was signed to a record-setting $9.2 million signing bonus in 2023 and is under team control through 2029.

Konnor Griffin

The top prospect in MLB, who just signed a 9-year, $140 million contract extension with the Pittsburgh Pirates, the largest deal in franchise history.

Pittsburgh Pirates

The MLB team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania that recently signed their top prospect Konnor Griffin to a record-breaking contract extension.

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What they’re saying

“He's going to be the face of the Pirates for a long time.”

— Paul Skenes, Pittsburgh Pirates Pitcher

What’s next

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The takeaway

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