Report: Pirates discussing 9-figure extension with top prospect Griffin
The Pittsburgh Pirates are talking to top prospect Konnor Griffin about a potential historic long-term extension, a source told Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com.
Discussions have centered on a contract worth over $100 million and spanning up to nine years, Mayo reports. However, a deal doesn't appear imminent.
Should a nine-figure agreement be reached before Opening Day, it would represent the largest deal ever given to a player with zero days of major-league service time. It would also mark just the eighth time a player has signed an extension before ever appearing in a big-league game.
Griffin, 19, is the consensus top prospect in MLB. The shortstop was drafted ninth overall by Pittsburgh in 2024 and made his professional debut last year, finishing his season at Double-A Altoona. He hit a combined .333/.415/.527 with 21 homers, 94 RBIs, and 65 stolen bases over 563 plate appearances across Low-A, High-A, and Double-A.
The Mississippi native is competing for the Pirates' Opening Day shortstop job. Griffin has hit four home runs this spring but has slashed just .184/.279/.526 over 43 Grapefruit League PAs as a non-roster invitee to big-league camp.
If Griffin doesn't make the team or sign an extension, Nick Gonzales or Nick Yorke would likely be the Pirates' Opening Day shortstop.