PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Pirates are hosting their home opener at PNC Park on Friday, featuring the major league debut of star prospect Konnor Griffin.
Griffin’s arrival comes amid reports that the team plans to sign him to a record-breaking nine-year, $140 million contract.
The reported deal would mark the largest contract ever for a prospect before making a major league debut. Griffin joins the lineup as part of an uncharacteristically aggressive offseason for the Pirates that included the additions of Brandon Lowe, Ryan O’Hearn and Marcell Ozuna.
Griffin arrived in Pittsburgh on Thursday following a rapid ascent through the minor league system. He began last season in Low-A ball and finished the year in Double-A, earning consensus Minor League Player of the Year honors. He was called up to the Pirates after playing only five games in Triple-A.
Griffin said he is prepared for the transition.
“It’s been an amazing journey, and I feel like I’ve grown so much as a player and as a person, just really been able to take it all in,” Griffin said. “I’m glad I’m here today. I feel super ready for this moment.”
Griffin learned of his promotion from his Triple-A manager. He shared the news first with his wife and then the rest of his family, leading to a scramble to bring approximately two dozen friends and family members to Pittsburgh for the opener. Griffin said his focus is now on being a contributing piece for the team.
The inclusion of Griffin in the lineup follows a series of veteran acquisitions meant to bolster the roster. Pirates Chairman Bob Nutting addressed the high expectations and the skepticism some fans may still feel regarding the team’s ability to produce results.
Nutting said he understands why some supporters remain cautious despite the offseason moves.
“One, I’d say be skeptical because now we have to execute on the field. You’re 100% right,” Nutting said. “I think I have faith, our team has faith. But the real work is just getting started. The real work is playing every single day.”
Nutting emphasized that the home opener marks the beginning of the period where the team must prove its value.
“So I embrace the fans who say now it’s time to execute because it is,” Nutting said. “That’s what opening day is for.”
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