Shortstop Konnor Griffin has played in the major league for less than a week and is assured many years to come.
Griffin, 19, agreed to a nine-year, $140 million contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates early Wednesday, per the Associated Press.
The deal is the largest in club history and includes escalators that could raise the total value to $150 million.
“Signing Konnor is a meaningful commitment to this team, this city and our fans,” owner Bob Nutting said in a statement. “It reflects our belief in Konnor, in this season’s club and in the future of the organization.”
General manager Ben Cherington recently said the “ingredients” were in place for a long-term pact
The Pirates selected Griffin with the ninth overall pick in the 2024 amateur draft. He played for the team’s farm system, hitting .333 with 21 home runs, 94 RBIs and 65 stolen bases.
He was one of the final cuts during spring training last month. His tenure at Triple-A Indianapolis was brief.
Pittsburgh called Griffin to the majors after just a week.
Griffin hit an RBI-double in his first big-league at bat against Baltimore last Friday. He then added a pair of hits, including a two-run single, in a 7-1 win over San Diego on Tuesday night. That helped the Pirates to their sixth win in seven games.
Griffin has said he wants to stay in Pittsburgh for as long as possible.
His prowess on the field as well as his maturity has impressed his teammates.
Reigning NL Cy Young winner Paul Skenes called Griffin “a big leaguer through and through.”
Griffin, however, is trying to ignore the attention.
“Just sticking to being myself, not trying to do too much,” Griffin said Tuesday night. “Just let the game tell me the situation. Compete one pitch at a time and let it all happen.”
