Paul Skenes’ Comment Regarding Konnor Griffin’s Record 9-Year $140 Million Contract Extension Raises Eyebrows

Konnor Griffin's 9-year, $140 million contract is the largest deal in Pittsburgh Pirates history, eclipsing the $106.75 million deal of Bryan Reynolds in 2023.

Paul Skenes’ Comment Regarding Konnor Griffin’s Record 9-Year $140 Million Contract Extension Raises Eyebrows

Konnor Griffin and Paul Skenes (Image via X/@BaseballAmerica/Bleacher Report)

Konnor Griffin landed a historic 9-year, $140 million contract extension with the Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday. His teammate, Paul Skenes, would later make a bold comment that raised some eyebrows in the MLB world.

Griffin, the 19-year-old star, made his MLB debut last week. After being selected as the 9th overall pick in the 2024 draft, he spent the 2025 season in the minor leagues.

In 122 games, he hit 21 home runs, had 94 RBIs and 65 stolen bases while batting with a .333 average. He was the No.1 prospect on the MLB pipeline. Before being called up to the major league, he batted with a .438/.571/.625 slash line in 5 Triple-A games.

Last Friday, during the Pirates’ home opener against the Baltimore Orioles, he made his MLB debut. In his first at-bat, he launched an RBI double, sending the crowd at PNC Park into a frenzy.

Even before he made his way to the big leagues, there were reports of the team working on a long-term contract extension. As per ESPN’s Buster Olney, a 9-year deal worth $140 million was being discussed.

This was made official on Wednesday. In a post on social media, the National League Central side confirmed this contract extension, making this a historic deal and keeping the shortstop through the 2034 season.

Skenes, the ace of the team, would react to this development. While speaking with the reporters, he would call this an “awesome” deal. He then made a face of the franchise comment.

Yeah, it’s awesome. … Super happy for him and his family. Glad he got a deal that works for him. He’s going to be the face of the Pirates for a long time.

Paul Skenes said regarding Konnor Griffin

These words from the 2025 NL Cy Young Award winner raised eyebrows. He is currently viewed by many as the face of the Pirates franchise.

This development also comes at a time when there have been several speculations regarding his own future. While the team has club control over him until the 2029 season, there have been talks of them potentially trading him away.

Konnor Griffin sends World Series message following historic deal with Pirates

The Pittsburgh Pirates successfully locked Konnor Griffin to a long-term deal on Wednesday. After his historic contract, the American international send a World Series message.

Konnor Griffin
Konnor Griffin (Image via Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

While addressing the media, the 2006-born star would thank the team management for their support in his transition from the minor to the major leagues. He would then drop an ambitious message about winning the World Series and competing at the highest stage.

The goal is to win. The goal is to win a World Series. I think we’ve got a clubhouse to go do that. I’m pumped to be a part of that.

Konnor Griffin told the media

Griffin’s $140 million deal is the biggest contract in Pirates history. This eclipses the $106.75 million deal they agreed with Bryan Reynolds in 2023.

The Pirates have spent some money this offseason. They brought in the likes of Brandon Lowe, Marcell Ozuna and Ryan O’Hearn to bolster their offense. As for the pitching, they brought in Gregory Soto.

The Pirates are 7-5 for the season following an 8-2 loss against the San Diego Padres on Wednesday. They are hoping to end a long postseason drought and reach the playoffs for the first time since 2015. In their last appearance, they lost 4-0 in the NL Wild Card game against the Chicago Cubs.

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