Pittsburgh Pirates lock up Konnor Griffin with long-term contract extension
By Raquel Ciampi, Marcie Cipriani
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PITTSBURGH (WTAE) — It is now official: The Pittsburgh Pirates have agreed to a nine-year contract with 19-year-old rookie shortstop Konnor Griffin.
The deal announced Wednesday is worth $140 million, according to The Associated Press, which makes it the largest in Pirates history. It reportedly includes escalators that could raise the total value to $150 million.
“To be able to add Konnor into this team right now could not come at a more important and a better-timed sense of urgency, and I hope that comes across also as a commitment from this organization and from me, not only to the team but to the city of Pittsburgh, to the fans, to reflect how serious I am and we are about building and sustaining a winning team here in Pittsburgh. The fans deserve it,” Pirates owner Bob Nutting said.
A first-round draft pick in 2024, Griffin was called up Friday for his major league debut at PNC Park. He has a double, three RBIs and two runs scored in five games with the Pirates.
“You all took a chance on me two years ago, and I’ve felt nothing but support and love through this whole process, so I’m super excited to be here for nine years,” Griffin said. “This is where we’re going to call home.”
Griffin’s contract extension will take him through the 2034 season with the Pirates.
“I’m pumped to go compete. The goal is to win a World Series, and I think we’ve got a great clubhouse to go do that, and I’m pumped to be part of it,” he said. “Can’t wait to continue to get better as a player and just continue to grow as a person as well.”
Pirates fans headed into PNC Park hours after the announcement said the long-term deal brings them hope.
“I love Konnor Griffin. I think he’s awesome,” said Beth Cook, who traveled to the North Shore from Butler. “I think he has such great character. And he’s so grown up for his age. I think he’s really going to be awesome.”
Fans showed some rarely seen love for the Pirates’ ownership, too.
“I think it’s a good move by Bob Nutting. I’m glad he’s finally doing something to appease the Pirate fans,” said Dan Wolfe from Gibsonia.
His brother Bob Wolfe from Bloomfield agreed. “Maybe Nutting’s finally coming around,” he said.
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