PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – If there is someone who can relate to being a young player with high expectations, it’s Paul Skenes. What the Pirates ace said about the Konnor Griffin contract? What it says about the organization and the reaction from teammates.
Skenes talked to reporters in the third base dugout a couple of hours after the news conference announcing Griffin’s nine-year, $140 million contract.
“Yeah it’s awesome,” Skenes said. “Hopefully at some point it’s going to quiet down for him because it’s his sixth day in the big leagues. Not every week is like this. I’m sure he’ll learn. Just super happy for him and his family. Glad he got a deal that works for him. Yeah he’s gonna be the face of the franchise for a long time.”
Interesting that Skenes said Griffin will be the face of the franchise and that is, or at least was, Skenes. The NL Cy Young Award winner said he will have to figure out how to deal with what comes with that. He’s sure he’s already learned lessons and will be fine. Skenes said he will give him whatever help he can.
That goes for his teammates, he said the room is genuinely ecstatic for him. Skenes marveled at how the 19-year-old handled a couple handfuls of questions during his news conference.
Then there is his play. Skenes said he heard before the 2024 MLB Draft that Griffin was the top player, calling it ‘a layup it seems to pick him with the makeup and the talent and everything’. He said it’s what the team needs it putting a position player like Griffin alongside the other guys and the pitching.
“It’s going to be a lot of fun.”
There were some questions from Skenes about the team’s future, so important to hear what he thought about signing a 19-year-old to a nine-year deal.
“It’s a continuation of everything we’ve seen for the past year or so,” Skenes said. “Just bringing in guys, we have a homegrown rotation right now. Drafting well, developing well and creating a foundation of a team that’s going to win for a long time. It’s another step in the right direction, I think.”
Tuesday night they played their first game together and it’s still sinking in for so many Pirates fans.
LISTEN to what Paul Skenes said about Konnor’s contract
LISTEN to what Paul Skenes said about Konnor’s contract
