I never thought the Pirates would sign Konnor Griffin long-term.
I never thought the overlap of having both Griffin and Paul Skenes would be as lengthy as it now could be. Might be three years beyond this one.
I never thought the Pirates would suddenly show legit ambition concerning anything but profit. I still need to be convinced how deep that ambition runs.
Here’s how to do that:
For the three seasons after this one, go all in.
MLB has what could be a lengthy, contentious CBA negotiation scheduled for after this season. It’s difficult to predict how the financial structure will wind up.
But the Pirates need to get their payroll near MLB’s median.
They’re listed at $105 million right now, ranking 23rd. Baltimore currently sits 16th, the approximate median, at $165 million.
Heck, I’d settle for what Milwaukee spends: The Brewers rank 19th, at $134 million.
Spend at that level, preferably more, for the next three years. Do what it takes while you have Skenes. Pay whatever arbitration awards Skenes gets.
When Skenes leaves, burn it down, cut payroll drastically and start over.
The Pirates would still have Griffin to sell tickets, move merch and serve as a big-time rebuilding block. (If he’s as projected.)
That’s how the Pirates can prove and maximize their sudden ambition.
More immediately, add talent and payroll at this year’s Aug. 3 trade deadline. (If you’re anywhere near a playoff berth.)
Don’t trade Brandon Lowe and his expiring contract.
Get some rentals.
Not a ton of prospects to trade besides pitcher Seth Hernandez and outfielder Edward Florentino. But if you can make the right deal…
Just quit kicking the can down the road.
Otherwise all this ballyhooed ambition turns out to be mere appeasement.
Griffin did himself right by reportedly taking the Pirates’ offer of $140 million over nine years.
It gives Griffin financial security, nay, luxury that will last generations.
If Griffin delivers on his potential, he’ll still be young enough to land a mega-deal at 28 when this contract expires.
If Griffin is great and the Pirates stink, he can finagle a trade at some point.
The only disastrous scenario is if Griffin is rotten. Then the Pirates are stuck with him at a ticket that’s huge and long, especially by their standards.
But that’s doubtful.
Nobody sees Griffin as being anything besides great.
The Pirates should have tried this gambit with Skenes before he ever threw a big-league pitch.
How does this affect the Pirates right now?
Jared Triolo at shortstop and Nick Gonzales at third base was never going to work.
Griffin performing at a Rookie-of-the-Year level gets the Pirates into the playoffs. If he doesn’t, they miss out.
That’s not fair to Griffin. Lots of pressure on a 19-year-old.
But such is the lot of a marginal contender, which the Pirates are. Even after promoting and locking up Griffin.
Griffin will struggle, sure. He’ll slump. Weaknesses will be discovered and exploited. But he’ll adjust and get better. He’s not a finished product.
At 6-foot-4, 225 pounds, Griffin is a physical specimen. Comparisons to the Los Angeles Angels’ Mike Trout seem hopeful yet valid. Similar physique and skill set. Or maybe he’s Bobby Witt Jr. Jr.
The sky is the limit.
Eventually, it comes down to results.
Right now, it’s about excitement.
Bob Nutting still owns the Pirates. So, don’t accept any of this at face value. It’s a great signing, but hardly rebuilds all that broken trust.
But it’s a start.
By the way, why didn’t Griffin begin the season with the Pirates? Did he really prove himself at the Triple-A level in a week? Or was him being summoned dependent on him agreeing to a long-term deal? Debuting at the home opener is a nice touch of showbiz regardless.
Pass me a traffic cone.
