The latest round of cuts in Bradenton came down this morning and Konnor Griffin was, once again, not on the list.
Many believe that Griffin is the best short stop the Pirates could put on the field for Opening Day, but the 19-year-old has no experience in Triple-A.
If he makes the Opening Day roster, Griffin would be the first player under 20 since Adrian Beltre in 1999 with the Dodgers to start a season on an MLB roster.
And, one MLB insider isn’t ruling out the Pirates get an extension with Griffin done before Opening Day.
Robert Murray of Fansided says “If the Pirates get to a number that Griffin likes, signing an extension that would allow him to notch another long-term contract while still in his prime makes plenty of sense.”
While it would be a gamble for the Pirates, since Griffin is unproven, it would save them a lot of money in the long-run if he becomes the player most insiders believe he will be.
Murray adds the current record contract for a player that hasn’t played in the MLB yet, Jackson Chourio at $82 million, would be shattered by a deal between the Pirates and Griffin.
Griffin has had 34 at bats this spring and is batting .206 with 7 hits, 9 RBI, 4 home runs and an OPS of .858.