Pirates owner addresses Konnor Griffin's record-breaking extension

It's been a while since Pittsburgh Pirates fans had anything to be hopeful for. However, after years of a frugal approach to roster-building, it looks like they're finally ready to spend.

The Pirates gave star rookie Konnor Griffin a reported nine-year, $140 million deal. That's the biggest contract in franchise history, as well as a new record for a player with less than one full year of MLB service.

More than their confidence in the No. 1 prospect in baseball, Pirates owner Bob Nutting wants this move to reflect their honest desire to build a sustainable project and a team that can compete for years. 

Pirates owner vows to build "something lasting" in Pittsburgh 

“Signing Konnor is a meaningful commitment to this team, this city, and our fans,” Nutting said in a statement, per the Pirates' website. “It reflects our belief in Konnor, in this season’s club, and in the future of our organization.”

Griffin has rapidly become one of the faces of the franchise. With him locked in for the next decade, the Pirates have a chance to add more building blocks alongside ace Paul Skenes. Bob Nutting certainly believes they can get the ship back on track: 

“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,” added Nutting. “He is the right person, from the right family, and this is another important step in the work we have been doing to build something lasting.”

It's not usual to see a player taken out of high school dominate right away in the pros. However, Griffin's rise has been impossible to ignore since the Pirates took him No. 9 last year.

Griffin raked his way through the minors in his first taste of professional action, slashing .333/.415/.527 in 122 games, with 23 doubles, 21 home runs, 94 RBI, 117 runs scored and 65 steals in his journey from Single-A Bradenton to Double- A Altoona, per Baseball Reference.

Admittedly, he hasn't been that impressive at the plate since making his MLB debut, logging just three hits in 20 plate appearances. 

That said, all young players need some time to adjust and get their legs under them, and as someone who has yet to turn 20, the Pirates will give him every opportunity to grow through his mistakes. 

It's been a long time since the Pirates were must-watch television, and getting this deal done might be the first step to returning to that status.