How Pirates Should Approach Konnor Griffin Extension

PITTSBURGH — Konnor Griffin won't start the season with the Pittsburgh Pirates, but they know that he's their future star and shortstop and will make his mark with them at some point in 2026.

The Pirates reportedly offfered Griffin an eight-year, $110 million contract extension, according to Noah Hiles of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Hiles also reported that the deal includes a ninth year option, with incentives and trade protection.

This isn't the first report of the Pirates offering an extension to Griffin, with Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com reporting a nine-year, $100-million plus offer as well.

Pittsburgh is clearly showing their interest in keeping Griffin for the long-term, but will still need to make sure they get the extension right moving forward.

What the Pirates Should Do For A Konnor Griffin Contract Extension

One of the most important parts of an extension with Griffin for the Pirates is when they eventually decide to call him up to the major leagues.

The Pirates gave him an extensive look in Spring Training, with 12 starts and 16 games played at shortstop, but following a .171 batting average, it showed that Griffin may need more time before playing at the MLB level.

Pittsburgh will still look to get Griffin on an extension some point this season, as they see him as the future of the franchise.

Getting Griffin on that type of deal, which would serve as the biggest in Pirates history and the most money for a player before their MLB debut, benefits both sides.

The Pirates get Griffin for two or three more years the normal six years of team control they would have him for and Griffin would make generational money at 19-20 years old and still get a chance to hit free agency before 30 years old.

Those reported offers for Griffin are well within reason for the Pirates and for Griffin, who hasn't even made his MLB debut and would break the record from Jackson Chourio (eight years, $82 million) by $28 million.

Pittsburgh may need to offer more money, perhaps in the eight-year, $130 million range, which would average out to $16 million per season.

The Boston Red Sox signed the last consensus top prospect in outfielder Roman Anthony to the same length and money, soon after he made his MLB debut in 2025.