The Pittsburgh Pirates announced Wednesday they have secured rookie shortstop Konnor Griffin with a nine-year contract extension, marking a historic investment in the organization’s future.
While the Pirates didn’t disclose financial terms, ESPN reports the deal is valued at $140 million, setting records as both the largest guaranteed contract in franchise history and the biggest rookie deal ever signed.
Pittsburgh selected Griffin as the ninth overall draft pick in 2024 from Jackson Preparatory School in Flowood, Mississippi. The previous year, the organization chose pitcher Paul Skenes with their first overall selection.
Griffin, who will celebrate his 20th birthday on April 24, began this season playing for Triple-A Indianapolis before earning his major league call-up and debut on April 4.
“Signing Konnor is a meaningful commitment to this team, this city and our fans. It reflects our belief in Konnor, in this season’s club and in the future of our organization,” Pirates chair Bob Nutting said in a statement. “Konnor represents everything we value in a player — exceptional talent, strong character, a team-first mentality and a maturity that stood out to all of us from the beginning. He is the right person, from the right family. This is another important step in the work we have been doing to build a winning team, for this year and going forward.”
According to ESPN, the timing of the contract signing was strategic. By finalizing the agreement after Griffin’s major league debut, Pittsburgh positioned itself to receive a first-round draft compensation pick if Griffin earns Rookie of the Year honors or finishes in the top three for Most Valuable Player voting in 2026, 2027, or 2028.
“This week has been amazing, debut week, and then sitting here signing a contract, it’s been amazing,” Griffin said, per ESPN. “It’s one of the best weeks of my life. … But it’ll be even better if we can get a win today.”
Griffin earned minor league player of the year recognition in 2025 after posting impressive numbers across 122 games at three different levels. He batted .333 while contributing 21 home runs, 94 RBIs, and 65 stolen bases spanning Class A, High A, and Double A competition.
Through his initial five major league appearances with Pittsburgh, Griffin is batting .176 with three RBIs.
Griffin joins two other shortstop prospects who secured major extensions this spring. Seattle committed $95 million over eight years to Colt Emerson, while Milwaukee agreed to pay Cooper Pratt $50.75 million across eight seasons with additional team options.
Both Emerson and Pratt are currently competing at the Triple-A level to start the season.
The Pirates haven’t reached the playoffs since 2015.
