3 Biggest Pre-MLB Debut Extensions After Konnor Griffin $140M Stunner

The Pittsburgh Pirates are handing out a massive extension to young infielder Konnor Griffin.

Mar 1, 2026; Jupiter, Florida, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Konnor Griffin (75) celebrates after hitting a two-run home run against the St. Louis Cardinals during the first inning at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

A new leader is in the clubhouse for the largest contract ever signed in Major League Baseball without ever stepping foot on a big league diamond.

The new will be held — for at least a short time — by Pittsburgh Pirates infielder Konnor Griffin. The Pirates shared on Thursday morning that the No. 1 prospect in baseball would be making his big league debut on Friday. That update was enough to rock the baseball world, but the Pirates clearly had more up their sleeve.

The 19-year-old reportedly is "finalizing" a nine-year, $140 million deal that will set a new record for the biggest deal signed before playing a big league game.

History has been made

Mar 21, 2026; Bradenton, Florida, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates infielder Konnor Griffin (75) at bat during the fourth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at LECOM Park. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images | Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

"Konnor Griffin's deal with the Pirates: nine years, $140 million. They're still working on finalizing," Olney wrote on X.

Konnor Griffin gets a nine-year, $140 million deal from the Pirates. That shatters the record for largest contract before making an MLB debut pic.twitter.com/FB5uFyrzo2

— Talkin' Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) April 2, 2026

So, Griffin isn't only going to join the likes of guys like Bryce Harper and Juan Soto to make the jump to the majors before turning 20 years old, but also blow everyone out of the water with his contract. Colt Emerson of the Seattle Mariners, who also hasn't made his big league debut yet, got $95 million from Seattle with a chance for more. Jackson Chourio of the Milwaukee Brewers got $82 million before his big league debut. Emerson, Chourio and now Griffin have the three biggest pre-MLB debut extensions.

Griffin played in five games down in Triple-A before getting the call on Thursday. Over that stretch, he slashed .438/.571/.625 with three doubles and three stolen bases. Clearly, his bat is ready to go.

It has been a growing trend around baseball to get long-term extensions done with young guys early. The Boston Red Sox did it with Roman Anthony and Kristian Campbell, although after they made their big league debuts. Corbin Carroll got an extension from the Arizona Diamondbacks after just a short time in the big leagues. Samuel Basallo of the Baltimore Orioles already has gotten an extension. Cooper Pratt of the Brewers also just recently got an extension before even making his big league debut.

This is a trend that is growing and growing, but what Griffin and the Pirates are doing is unprecedented. The Pirates are a small-market team and yet they just did something that no other team in league history has done with this deal. That just shows how much faith they have in this kid. It also sets a new mark for for another prospect to aim for. It's an intriguing time in baseball, especially Collect Bargaining Agreement questions coming after the season. Teams are preparing with their prospects now Griffin just made history.