The Pittsburgh Pirates are deep into negotiations with top prospect Konnor Griffin, sources told ESPN, with the two sides making their respective cases over what an appropriate deal would be for the 19-year-old shortstop.
The two sides have been talking since early in spring training, sources told ESPN, and the Pirates' proposals are closer in range to the eight-year, $111 million deal that Corbin Carroll signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks in the spring of 2023. Griffin's side, however, has been angling for something closer to Roman Anthony's eight-year, $130 million deal that was forged with the Boston Red Sox in August, sources said.
Griffin, who turns 20 later this month, was the No. 9 overall pick in the 2024 draft and is ESPN's No. 1 prospect for 2026. Playing in the minors last year, the 6-foot-3, 222-pound shortstop batted .333 with a .941 OPS. He had some impressive moments in spring training this year, clubbing four homers in 16 games, fueling speculation that the Pirates might keep him in the big leagues.
Pittsburgh, however, sent him to Triple-A Indianapolis, where he has six hits in his first 13 at-bats.
With star pitcher Paul Skenes heading the rotation, Pittsburgh is perceived to be in a possible window to win right now. During the course of the winter, the Pirates added to their offense, trading for Brandon Lowe and signing free agents Ryan O'Hearn and Marcell Ozuna.
Signing Griffin to a long-term deal would likely be regarded as a sign of good faith by the Pirates' fan base, which has been frustrated by the team's low payrolls and competitive struggles over the past decade.
There is typically a rash of young player signings around Opening Day. This week, the Seattle Mariners reached an eight-year, $95 million deal with star prospect Colt Emerson, who is expected to be promoted to the big leagues soon, and the Milwaukee Brewers signed minor league prospect Cooper Pratt to an eight-year, $50.75 million contract.
