The Pirates have signed 19-year-old shortstop Konnor Griffin to a nine-year extension worth $140 million, the latest sign that the organization is finally investing in the team.
The deal surpasses Bryan Reynolds’ $106 million contract for the biggest in Pirates’ history.
Griffin was the ninth overall pick in the 2024 and had a .366 batting average while hitting 21 home runs during his time in the minors. He was called up last week after starting off his minor league season by hitting .438 with seven homers in just 16 at bats.
Over the past few years, many Pirates fans have been angry with the organization because of their refusal to spend money on players. There has been a movement within the fanbase to convince ownership to sell the team.
Chants of “sell the team” could even be heard on Pat McAfee’s College Gameday broadcast when ESPN came to town for the Pitt-Notre Dame game. Planes could be seen flying over the city with a “sell the team” banner, and it is common for fans to insult owner Bob Nutting if they ever see him in public.
This extension, along with other moves that the Pirates have made, might be a sign that the organization has finally heard the noise.
Over the offseason, Pittsburgh signed 2025 all-star first baseman Ryan O’Hearn to a two-year contract. O’Hearn was the first free agent the Pirates have signed to a multi-year contract since 2016.
They also traded for second baseman Brandon Lowe, who was also an all-star in 2025, along with signing three-time all-star Marcell Ozuna.
Although Ozuna has struggled through the first few games, O’Hearn and Lowe have been great additions to the team, both hitting three home runs so far and leading them to a 7-4 record.
Last year, the Pirates had a great starting rotation with Cy Young winner Paul Skenes, and now their offseason signings add much needed bats to the squad.
Skenes is on contract with the Pirates until 2029; after that they probably will not be able to afford him. The window to win is open for Pittsburgh right now, and the organization has realized this.
Even though the Pirates have started seasons hot before, this time seems different to fans. The playoff dream is alive and well for Pittsburgh.
The hitting is there and the pitching is among the league’s best, but the Pirates will struggle this year with fielding errors, especially in the outfield.
Overall these signings are all good for Pirates fans. Even if Griffin does not become the next Juan Soto, spending money in baseball is better than not – especially with the Pirates, who never spend.
Pirates fans should be excited for their 2026 season and their future. But they should also be wary that the Pirates might give up at the deadline like they have done in the past.
