The Pittsburgh Pirates are looking to solidify their young future while signaling that they're serious about winning now.
While the Pittsburgh Pirates are looking to lock up the top prospect in baseball, the two sides remain far apart on what a suitable deal would look like. According to ESPN, the Pirates are “deep into negotiations” with shortstop Konnor Griffin, the league’s No. 1 prospect for 2026, and the No. 9 overall pick in the 2024 draft. With a potential window to win now in Pittsburgh, signing Griffin to a long-term deal would send the message to a disgruntled fanbase that the organization recognizes that after years of skimping on payrolls. The problem is about $20 million dollars difference in perceived value.
Talks have been ongoing between the two sides since spring camp, per ESPN, but Griffin’s camp has pushed back on the proposed range similar to Corbin Carroll’s deal with the Diamondbacks in 2023 at eight years, $111 million. Griffin’s side is pushing for a deal closer to Roman Anthony’s, who inked an eight-year, $130 million deal with the Red Sox in August. The 19-year-old prospect impressed in the minors last season, hitting .333 with 21 homers, 94 RBIs, 65 stolen bases, and a .941 OPS. He hit four home runs in 16 games throughout spring training, which led to belief he may be called up, but the Pirates sent him to Triple-A Indianapolis for now, where he’s had six hits in 13 at-bats.
Here is the full story from Pirates Roundtable writer Greg Liodice on the major negotiations.
With Paul Skenes headlining their rotation, the idea is that Pittsburgh has an opportunity, one they seemingly recognized by trading for Brandon Lowe and signing Ryan O'Hearn and Marcell Ozuna in free agency. And it wouldn’t be the first landmark deal awarded to a prospect with zero MLB service time. The Seattle Mariners showed they were serious about Colt Emerson on an eight-year, $95 million deal. The Pirates are up next.