Buster Olney Provides Update on Pirates' Reported Contract Talks With Konnor Griffin

Will a deal get done before he reaches the majors?

Mar 1, 2026; Jupiter, Florida, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Konnor Griffin (75) turns a double play against the St. Louis Cardinals during the second inning at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Over the past week, several franchises have been signing some of their top prospects to long-term deals. And the No. 1 prospect in all of baseball could be one of the next players to join that group, at least according to ESPN's Buster Olney.

Olney reported on Wednesday that the Pittsburgh Pirates are "deep into negotiations" over a contract extension for shortstop Konnor Griffin, MLB Pipeline's No. 1 overall prospect for 2026. If both parties can reach an agreement on a deal for the 19-year-old who has not yet made his major league debut, it's reportedly expected to exceed the eight-year, $95 million extension signed by Seattle Mariners shortstop prospect Colt Emerson on Tuesday.

The monetary values being thrown around in these negotiations between Pittsburgh and Griffin are comparable to two other recent eight-year extensions, according to Olney. The Pirates are reportedly offering a deal comparable to the eight-year, $111 million extension outfielder Corbin Carroll signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2023. But Griffin's camp reportedly hopes to land an offer similar to the eight-year, $130 million contract outfielder Roman Anthony inked with the Boston Red Sox last year.

While these contract talks are reportedly happening off the field, though, the young shortstop is still performing on the diamond in Triple-A. That leaves Pirates fans wondering what will come first: Griffin's MLB debut or a long-term extension.

Konnor Griffin will join Pirates' young core eventually

Feb 14, 2025; Bradenton, FL, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates infielder Konnor Griffin during spring training workouts at Pirate City. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images | Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

The contract negotiations saga between Pittsburgh and Griffin has been going on since at least March 21, which is when MLB.com’s Jonathan Mayo and Jared Greenspan first reported on the possibility of the Pirates extending their top prospect. According to Mayo's sources, an agreement at that time could've been in the ballpark of "as long as nine years and more than $100 million."

While this reported situation is likely evolving each day, it seems clear that the two sides are actively working to keep the 2024 first-round draft pick in Pittsburgh for many years to come. Through his first four games in Triple-A this season, Griffin has six hits, three runs scored, and two stolen bases. It seems like only a matter of time until the top prospect makes his big league debut. But whether he'll be signed to a long-term deal before that eventually happens remains to be seen.