Pirates sign Konnor Griffin and Paul Skenes says it strengthens the team's future

The Pittsburgh Pirates signed shortstop Konnor Griffin to a nine-year extension reported as worth $140 million and up to $150 million with escalators, and Paul Skenes said the move reinforces the club's long-term plans.

The Pittsburgh Pirates signed shortstop Konnor Griffin to a nine-year extension, reported as worth $140 million and up to $150 million with escalators, the largest contract in franchise history. The move follows a busy winter of trades and free-agent signings and represents a shift from the team's historically frugal approach. Paul Skenes, the 2025 National League Cy Young Award winner, said the additions and the club's homegrown talent have increased his confidence in the team's direction. Griffin, the ninth overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft from Jackson Preparatory School in Jackson, Miss., made his major league debut on April 8 at PNC Park. Key details: - The reported contract is a nine-year extension for Konnor Griffin valued at $140 million and up to $150 million with escalators, described as the biggest in franchise history. - Team activity this winter included trades and free-agent signings that the article frames as part of a broader commitment to compete for postseason play. - Paul Skenes said the recent moves and a homegrown rotation give him confidence that the club is building a foundation to win over the long term. - Griffin rose rapidly through the minors after being drafted ninth overall in 2024, moving up three levels in 2025 and playing five games at Triple-A Indianapolis before his MLB callup. - In his first five major-league games, Griffin has a +2 defensive runs saved (tied for second among shortstops with at least 30 innings), won a Minor League Gold Glove in 2025, and demonstrated notable speed (reaching about 29–30 feet per second on two runs). - Offensively, Griffin had an RBI double in his first plate appearance, went through a 14-at-bat stretch without a hit, and recorded two hits in a 7-1 win over the San Diego Padres on April 7; he turns 20 on April 24. Summary: The reported signing and recent roster moves underscore the Pirates' effort to assemble a longer-term core and have been cited by Paul Skenes as reasons for increased confidence in the club's future. Griffin has shown defensive range and early offensive moments in his first five major-league games while still adjusting at the plate. Undetermined at this time.