Pittsburgh Pirates Sign Konnor Griffin to Record-Breaking 9-Year Deal

The $140 million contract is the largest in Pirates history, locking up their rising star shortstop through 2034.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 3:00pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball game or match, with sharp, overlapping planes of navy blue, forest green, and burnt orange, capturing the dynamic energy and movement of the sport.The Pirates' record-breaking deal for rising star shortstop Konnor Griffin reflects their commitment to building a competitive team through strategic long-term investments.Today in Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Pirates have signed shortstop Konnor Griffin to a massive 9-year, $140 million contract, the largest deal in franchise history. The contract includes a $12 million signing bonus and escalators that could push the total value up to $150 million.

Why it matters

Retaining Griffin long-term is a major win for the Pirates, who see the 23-year-old as a potential franchise cornerstone and future MVP candidate. Locking up young stars to team-friendly extensions has become an increasingly important strategy for small-market clubs to remain competitive.

The details

Griffin's contract will pay him $5 million in 2026, followed by $3.5 million in each of the 2027 and 2028 seasons. His arbitration years from 2029-2031 are valued at around $13.17 million per year on average, while his free agent seasons from 2032-2034 will pay him approximately $27.17 million per year. The deal represents a compromise between the Pirates' desire for a 10-year contract and Griffin's agency's preference for an 8-year term.

  • Griffin signed the 9-year contract on April 8, 2026.
  • The previous Pirates franchise record was an 8-year, $106.75 million deal signed by outfielder Bryan Reynolds on April 25, 2023.

The players

Konnor Griffin

A 23-year-old shortstop who is considered a rising star and potential future MVP candidate for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Bryan Reynolds

An outfielder for the Pittsburgh Pirates who previously held the franchise record for largest contract at 8 years, $106.75 million.

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What they’re saying

“The $140 million also worked more for the Pirates and Griffin's team, with no options included, which guarantees more money and an earlier timeline towards free agency.”

— Ken Rosenthal, Reporter

What’s next

The Pirates will look to build around Konnor Griffin as their franchise centerpiece, hoping the long-term deal will help them return to the playoffs for the first time since 2015.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance for small-market teams like the Pirates to lock up their young stars to team-friendly extensions, ensuring they can remain competitive and build around a core group of players.