Most people look at the Pittsburgh Pirates and don’t see much there. The Pirates have had 29 losing seasons in the last 33 years, haven’t won a division title since 1992 and last won a postseason series in 1979 when they beat the Baltimore Orioles in the World Series.
Konnor Griffin sees a winning future for the Pirates in Pittsburgh, though $140 million certainly makes that future look brighter.
Konnor Griffin becomes franchise cornerstone
The 19-year-old shortstop signed a nine-year, $140 million contract with the Pirates on Wednesday, just five days after making his major league debut. Griffin immediately becomes a cornerstone player for the organization with the largest contract in franchise history.
“We’re going to do a lot of great things with the players that we have, and I want to be a part of it for nine years,” Griffin said at a news conference before the Pirates hosted the San Diego Padres at PNC Park. “I want to continue to be a part of the build of winning, playoff baseball. And this is a great place for me, a great place for my family, and I couldn’t be more proud.”
Konnor Griffin is a quick riser
After a rapid ascent through Pittsburgh’s farm system, Griffin now offers the Pirates renewed hope for a winning future. The Pirates chose Griffin ninth overall in the 2024 amateur draft during his senior high school season in Flowood, Miss. The following year, he made his professional debut, excelling at both Class-A and Double-A levels. Over 122 games, he hit .333 with 21 home runs and 65 stolen bases while also winning a Gold Glove.
His remarkable performance led to Minor League Player of the Year honors from various outlets, as he became baseball’s top prospect. Starting this season with Triple-A Indianapolis for five games, Griffin was quickly promoted to the majors.
Slow start in MLB for Konnor Griffin
Since his major league debut, Griffin is 3-for-17 with a double in his first five big league games. He doubled off the Orioles’ Kyle Bradish in his first plate appearance, then went hitless in 14 at-bats before breaking out with a 2-for-4 performance and a two-run single on Tuesday night in a 7-1 victory over the Padres.
“Since the day Konnor signed, he’s not only met every challenge that’s been put in front of him from a baseball perspective, skill development perspective, but he’s done that in a way that’s always been about the team, putting the team first,” Pirates general manager Ben Cherington said. “Representing himself, his family, and his organization in the most first-class manner, and he has earned trust through that.
“You don’t get to this point without earning that level of trust, and it’s going to be fun to see him continue that journey now with the players we have in this clubhouse and watch Konnor and the teammates continue to challenge each other to be better every day.”
All quotations obtained are original unless otherwise noted.