Pirates retain shortstop Konnor Griffin for the next 9 years

The Pittsburgh Pirates have signed their shortstop of the future. 

According to the Pirates on X, shortstop Konnor Griffin and the team have signed a nine-year ($140 million) contract that runs through the 2034 season. The 19-year-old made his Major League debut on April 3 against the Baltimore Orioles and collected his first hit (a double) and RBI. 

Griffin's deal comes on the heels of the Seattle Mariners extending shortstop Colt Emerson (eight years, $95 million) and the Milwaukee Brewers extending shortstop Cooper Pratt (eight years, $50 million). 

Griffin ranks as the best prospect in baseball and was drafted by the Pirates in the first round (ninth overall) in the 2024 MLB draft. The Jackson, Mississippi native spent one season in the minor leagues, hitting .333 with an OPS of .941 and 21 home runs in 122 games between Single-A and Double-A. 

Konnor Griffin has a chance to be special for the Pirates

Grading out at 70/80 (20-80 grade scale) for his arm and speed, Griffin’s one “weakness” could be his hit tool (65/80 grade). Through his first five big league games, Griffin is hitting .176 with four strikeouts after striking out 122 times last season. 

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Despite his bat not being there yet, Griffin has shown Gold Glove-level defense, with a positive (2) defensive runs saved. Griffin made a diving stop in Tuesday’s game against the San Diego Padres on a ball hit up the middle, which he turned into a double play.

Already showing signs that he could be a multiple-time All-Star and possible MVP winner, the hype surrounding Griffin is real and it's spectacular.