Pittsburgh Pirates fans are feeling a familiar twinge of anxiety. The Milwaukee Brewers have just secured a promising 21-year-old shortstop with an eight-year deal worth over $50 million. Meanwhile, the Pirates, who have one of the most valuable prospects in Konnor Griffin, haven't inked a deal yet.
But hold on-this isn't just a case of the Pirates lagging behind. In fact, their strategy might be spot on.
This isn't merely about sealing the deal; it's about timing it perfectly.
If the Pirates see Griffin as the franchise-changer the industry believes him to be, every move regarding his timeline is crucial. Enter MLB's Prospect Promotion Incentive (PPI).
If Griffin debuts early enough to earn a full year of service time and wins Rookie of the Year or places in the top three in MVP voting during his pre-arbitration period, the Pirates gain an extra draft pick. For a small-market team like Pittsburgh, which thrives on building through the draft, that's a big deal.
Here's where it gets tricky: if Griffin signs an extension before making his MLB debut, that draft pick opportunity vanishes. So, the Pirates are carefully navigating this situation: promote Griffin in time to qualify for the PPI, let him accrue service time, and then finalize the extension. The order matters.
Reports suggest that the framework of a deal is already in place-around eight years and $110 million guaranteed, with options and protections. The heavy lifting is done. Now, it's about timing.
Once Griffin is promoted and the PPI is secured, the Pirates can swiftly finalize the deal without losing future value. The absence of an announcement doesn't indicate a lack of progress; it might actually signal the opposite.
While Milwaukee's deal with Cooper Pratt seems proactive, Griffin's situation is different. He's seen as a potential cornerstone for the Pirates-a player who could define the roster. That distinction changes everything.
A $50 million investment is one thing, but committing over $100 million to a player who hasn't debuted yet requires careful precision.
If waiting a few weeks ensures a draft pick and secures Griffin long-term, it's not hesitation-it's smart strategy.
The lack of public urgency might actually reflect confidence within the organization. The Pirates don't need to rush; they just need to get the timing right. If they do, they'll have Griffin in Pittsburgh for years, along with an extra draft pick to bolster the team around him.
Pirates fans might be used to seeing inactivity, but this time, the front office might just be executing a plan to get everything right.