Paul Skenes drops face of the team claim on Konnor Griffin after contract extension

19-year-old shortstop Konnor Griffin, made MLB history after signing a nine-year, $140 million contract extension with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Upon signing that deal, Paul Skenes boldly claimed that Griffin is, and will be, the face of the franchise for a long duration of time.

While talking with media members on Wednesday, Skenes had nothing but nice things to say about his teammate. While many believe Skenes is currently the face of the Pirates’ franchise, it appears he thinks that role will belong to Griffin instead.

“Yeah, it’s awesome,” said Skenes about Griffin. “Hopefully, at some point, it’s going to quiet down for him. I think this is his sixth day in the big leagues. Not every day, not every week is like this. I’m sure he’ll learn. But, yeah, 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 reacts to 19-year-old Konnor Griffin inking a 9-year, $140 million contract extension.

“He’s going to be the face of the Pirates for a long time.” pic.twitter.com/wefHEFRpNz

— Justin Guerriero (@GuerrieroTrib) April 8, 2026

Upon making his MLB debut in the Pirates’ 5-4 win over the Baltimore Orioles on April 3, Konnor Griffin became the first teenage position player to make his major league debut since Juan Soto did it in 2018 with the Washington Nationals.

Although Paul Skenes is a superstar in his own right, winning the Rookie of the Year Award in 2024, and then following that with his first Cy Young Award in just the second season of his career, the Pirates may agree with his take that Griffin can be the face of the franchise. Pittsburgh made Konnor Griffin the highest-paid rookie in league history with the contract they gave him.

While the noise is still loud for Griffin, as Skenes pointed out, things should begin to calm down as the 2026 campaign progresses. Excitement is buzzing in Pittsburgh, as the club may have the best young pitcher and position player in MLB on one roster.

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