A couple of days ago, Konnor Griffin put together an absolute show against the Boston Red Sox. He belted two home runs, clearing the mini Green Monster in left field with no-doubters. That sent the baseball world into a frenzy and now every other fanbase knows where this hype is coming from. Many fans would like to see Griffin become the Pirates’ Opening Day shortstop and his performance may get him there.
Griffin could make a very positive impact in Pittsburgh and become the new face of the franchise. Doing so would make him very expensive when he hits free agency, especially considering his young age and skillset. He is 19 years old and possesses five-tools. With all that in mind, the Pirates must sign him to an extension before they can’t afford to re-sign him later on. Fortunately for Pittsburgh, the fans just got the update they have been wanting to hear on the extension front.
Noah Hiles of the Pittsburgh Post Gazette reported that, “both parties are indeed open toward making this happen.”
Pirates are now reportedly interested in extending Konnor Griffin after his monster two-homer game.
Hearing that both parties are interested in getting a deal done is great news. Locking in a potential generational talent would help this organization sustain long-term success. They weren’t able to extend Paul Skenes, so they cannot miss this opportunity with Griffin.
An extension with Griffin is a gamble, considering he has only played 21 games in Double-A. Nonetheless, everything about him screams that they should take that gamble. His performance against Boston was just a small sample. Griffin might be the next Bobby Witt Jr. and could be a perennial All-Star.
The Pirates need to take this gamble and now that it has been reported that both sides are interested, there seems like a legitimate chance that it can get done. Jackson Chourio signed an extension with the Brewers for eight years worth $82 million before he debuted. There’s a strong possibility that Griffin’s deal is longer and for more money.
Hopefully the Pirates can get a deal done with Griffin. While giving him a large contract before he makes his MLB debut is bold, it is still worth it, based on how his career could go. Griffin is a future superstar and Pittsburgh needs to get something done before the end of spring training.
(Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire)
