Assessment of the Konnor Griffin Extension
On Wednesday morning, April 8, 2026, it happened. It really happened. The Pirates signed their rookie shortstop Konnor Griffin to an extension of 9 years and $140 million dollars. A franchise setting contract. They may shatter their reputation.
Pirates have been justifiably criticized for many years for not spending money in the free agent market to field a competitive team. They’ve criticized for renting players and in some years failing to add pieces. They’ve been criticized for making poor draft choices with their No. 1 picks.
Well, Bucco fans. The Pirates have signed Konnor Griffin and they’ve spent money. This is surely not a rental or a lease. The highly touted No. 1 draft pick from 2024, is here. Not in Altoona or Indy. He’s here in Pittsburgh and he’s under contract with the Pirates for 9 years.
Is there risk? Of course. But there was risk when LeBron James, Sidney Crosby and Bryce Harper – just to name 3 other highly anticipated athletes who entered their respective leagues at ages before they could legally consume alcohol.
Griffin sped through the minor leagues in a very short period of time. Broadcaster Bob Walk marveled at Griffin’s hitting during Tuesday night’s game saying, “He’s 19. If you think about it, he should still be using an aluminum bat.” Walk is not given to hyperbole and made the statement with utmost admiration.
Now in the major leagues, Griffin is going to have to make adjustments and also deal with the grind of a 162 game season. However, Griffin appears to have another skill that should help with that adjustment.
Paul Skenes of all people – the 23 year old man with the poise and confidence of a 43 year old – has described Griffin as being the most mature guy he’s met for his age. And what Skenes thinks matters. Obviously, Pirates’ fans are dying for the Pirates to sign Skenes to a long term deal. In listening to Pirates’ Insider Jason Mackey this morning on 93.7 the Fan, Mackey said that Skenes wants to win and wants to see a commitment to winning.
Signing Konnor Griffin to a long term deal is a step in the right direction.