Pirates, Konnor Griffin Reportedly Finalizing Blockbuster Deal Ahead of MLB Debut

It seems like he secured the bag

Aug 2, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Konnor Griffin, who was the ninth overall pick in the first round of the 2024 First-Year Player Draft, in the batting cage before a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images | Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

The Pittsburgh Pirates' top prospect, shortstop Konnor Griffin, has taken over the news in the baseball world on Thursday.

Pittsburgh started the day by announcing that Griffin, MLB Pipeline's No. 1 overall prospect for 2026, is set to make his much-anticipated major league debut on Friday. And now, the Pirates are expected to sign the 19-year-old to a nine-year, $140 million deal, according to ESPN's Buster Olney, who says the two sides are "still working on finalizing" the extension.

If this long-term deal is confirmed before Griffin's big league debut, he'd shatter the record set earlier this week for an extension signed by a prospect who hasn't appeared in the majors yet. Minor league infielder Colt Emerson inked an eight-year, $95 million extension with the Seattle Mariners on Tuesday. The reported contract terms for Griffin would also surpass the eight-year, $130 million deal outfielder Roman Anthony signed with the Boston Red Sox last year.

The stage is set for Konnor Griffin's highly anticipated Pirates debut

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

With Griffin's promotion to the big leagues only pending an official roster move and his long-term contract reportedly close to being finalized, all that's left for the 19-year-old to do is perform on the field. The 2024 first-round draft pick began the year at Triple-A and immediately saw success at the plate, going 7-for-16 in five games with three stolen bases and four runs scored. He has a .336 batting average in 127 career minor league games with 21 home runs, 95 RBIs, and 68 stolen bases.

While the minor league numbers jump off the page, it's still important to keep in mind that Griffin is 19. He'll turn 20 later this month, but he still only has one full season of minor league action under his belt, with 26 combined games played at Double-A and Triple-A. The talent is undoubtedly there, though, and Pittsburgh fans can now look forward to seeing their top prospect in a Pirates uniform for much of the next decade—if his nine-year extension is confirmed.

A new era of baseball in Pittsburgh will officially begin with Griffin's major league debut on Friday. And with other young stars already shining in the Pirates' rotation, it's an exciting time to be a fan of the franchise.