Pirates Negotiating Massive Deal With Konnor Griffin

The Pittsburgh Pirates are trying to keep their star prospect for the long-term.

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

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Pirates have the top prospect in baseball and are doing what they can to make him the face of the franchise as soon as possible.

Buster Olney of ESPN reported that the Pirates are "deep into negotiations" with shortstop Konnor Griffin, with both parties looking at what makes sense for them and a reasonable deal.

The Pirates, according to Olney, are looking for a contract around the eight-year, $111 million contract that Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Corbin Carroll signed back in spring 2023, whereas Griffin's team is looking for an eight-year, $130 million deal that former top prospect in outfielder Roman Anthony signed with the Boston Red Sox last season.

Griffin, the consensus top prospect in baseball, is only 19 years old, but projects as the future starting shortstop for the Pirates as early as this season.

Why the Pirates Want to Sign Griffin to a Contract Extension

The Pirates took Griffin as the ninth overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft out of Jackson Prepartory School in Jackson, Miss., but is already looking like one of the best players for the future of the sport.

He was incredible in his first professional season in 2025, slashing 333/.415/.527 for an OPS of .942 in 122 games this season, with 161 hits, 23 doubles, four triples, 21 home runs, 94 RBI, 50 walks to 122 strikeouts and 65 stolen bases on 13 attempts.

Griffin can do just about everything, with a great bat, strong arm and glove, winning an MiLB Gold Glove Award and speed that makes him a threat on the basepaths.

Mar 9, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Konnor Griffin (75) runs to second base on a two-rbi double against the New York Yankees in the fifth inning during spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

The Pirates want to lock up Griffin for the foreseeable future and it's likely he makes his debut soon this season, rather than later.

Griffin would want to make serious money early on, with either deal projecting him to either $13.75 million or $16.25 million for an average salary.

He wouldn't have to wait six years of team control, three years of making a little more than MLB minimum ($780,000 in 2026) in pre-arbitration, then three years of arbitration, where he and the Pirates would agree to a yearly salary or go to an arbitration panel where the two parties would put up salary figures and the panel would decide on it.

The Pirates would take two years of free agency off of Griffin and Griffin would hit free agency by the time he turns 28 years old, giving himself a chance for another massive contract.

It would also show a serious commitment from the Pirates to their young star and help them in future negotiations

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