After years of criticism, owner Bob Nutting unveils a massive contract and vows a winning future for the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Few figures in Pittsburgh professional sports history have stirred as much controversy as Bob Nutting.
This reputation may seem harsh, but it's no wonder Pirates fans bristle—year after year, the owner draws their ire for rarely fielding competitive teams and consistently keeping one of the lowest player payrolls in the major leagues.
Despite keeping a low public profile, Nutting had some things to say Wednesday after Pittsburgh signed 19-year-old rookie shortstop Konnor Griffin to a nine-year, $140-million contract. This is easily the largest contract in franchise history, surpassing left fielder Bryan Reynolds’ current eight-year, $106.75-million deal.
During these remarks, Nutting emphasized that the Pirates are committed to winning in 2026. The team hasn’t been to the postseason since 2015, hasn’t had a winning season since 2017, and has been in rebuilding mode ever since Ben Cherington was hired as general manager in the 2019-20 offseason.
"I think it's a reflection of the commitment we have made as an organization to build a team, build an organization the right way,” Nutting said of Griffin’s signing during a press conference. “It takes a certain amount of patience. It's taken a certain amount of time. It will continue to take patience and time to put a team together that this city deserves, that these fans deserve. And I continue to be fully committed to making sure that happens again.”
Building on this commitment, Pittsburgh generated plenty of buzz in the offseason by aggressively seeking out upgrades for an offense that had struggled, finishing last in runs scored and home runs in the major leagues in 2025. Excitement grew as second baseman Brandon Lowe and outfielder Jake Mangum arrived from the Tampa Bay Rays via trade, while fans welcomed right fielder Ryan O’Hearn and designated hitter Marcell Ozuna, both signed in free agency.
Further highlighting organizational progress, Excitement grew when Baseball America ranked the Pirates’ farm system the best in baseball before spring training began, with Griffin and rookie right-hander Bubba Chandler as headliners to watch.
Moreover, a 7-4 start to the season has raised expectations. So, too, has a franchise-record $107-million payroll.
Reflecting on these developments, Nutting said, “We're at a wonderful point in 2026 with an incredibly strong foundation. I am serious, and we are, about building and sustaining a winning team in Pittsburgh. The fans deserve it. The fans want it, and we saw opening day, and we've seen in the ballpark already, the level of energy and excitement and passion and commitment that our fans have to this team. I could not be more appreciative of their support and their engagement.”
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