The baseball world is abuzz with the emergence of Konnor Griffin, a young phenom who hasn't even hit 20 yet but is already turning heads as the top prospect in the game. The Pittsburgh Pirates are eyeing a potential long-term deal, with both Griffin and the team open to an extension, according to Noah Hiles of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
It's easy to see why the Pirates are keen on locking him down. Griffin is universally recognized as the top prospect, with Baseball America, ESPN, MLB Pipeline, FanGraphs, and The Athletic all placing him at the pinnacle for 2026.
Some experts even argue he's the best prospect to come along in years. Drafted ninth overall in 2024, Griffin is a rare five-tool player, excelling as a shortstop with an arm that nearly saw him drafted as a pitcher.
Last season, Griffin showcased his talents across Single-A, High-A, and Double-A, playing in 122 games. He smashed 21 home runs, swiped 65 bases, and posted an impressive .333/.415/.527 slash line.
While he benefited from a .403 BABIP, the consensus is strong on his batting prowess. The Pirates have even considered starting him on the Opening Day roster, despite him not turning 20 until late April and having no Triple-A experience.
His recent performance, including two homers against the Red Sox, only fuels the excitement.
While not all prospects hit their stride, Griffin seems poised to become a significant major league player. Players of his caliber often secure extensions, as seen with stars like Fernando Tatis Jr., Bobby Witt Jr., and Julio Rodríguez. For Griffin, the challenge lies in agreeing on a price point that reflects his potential while considering the allure of year-to-year earnings.
Juan Soto's journey offers a blueprint. Soto turned down massive extensions from the Nationals, betting on himself and eventually securing a $765 million deal with the Mets.
Griffin, still two months shy of 20, could follow a similar path, potentially hitting free agency at 26 if he earns a full service year in 2026. Even if he doesn't match Soto's offensive output, Griffin's speed and defense add significant value.
Hiles suggests a deal could be structured to extend Griffin's control while allowing him to hit free agency in his late 20s. The Pirates might consider creative contract structures, like those of Witt and Rodríguez, which include options and escalators.
Regardless of the approach, the cost will likely rise as Griffin approaches free agency. Jackson Chourio holds the record for a pre-debut guarantee at $82 million, and even brief major league exposure can lead to nine-figure deals.
For the Pirates to secure Griffin, they may need to break their own records. Their largest deal so far was $100 million for Bryan Reynolds.
Given Griffin's hype, a nine-figure offer seems justified. The Pirates, though not known for high payrolls, have room to maneuver financially, with long-term commitments relatively light beyond Reynolds and Mitch Keller.
If a deal is reached soon, the Pirates might delay making it official until after Opening Day to maintain prospect promotion incentives. This strategy has been seen with other teams, ensuring players remain eligible for additional benefits.
Regardless of contract negotiations, Griffin's rise injects excitement into the Pirates' 2026 season. With a talented pitching staff led by Paul Skenes and offseason additions like Ryan O’Hearn, Brandon Lowe, and Marcell Ozuna, Griffin's potential impact at shortstop could be transformative. While expectations are high, the consensus is clear: Griffin is a special talent ready to make his mark.