Paul Skenes had a very interesting choice of words this week.
The Pittsburgh Pirates officially agreed on Wednesday to a monster extension with shortstop phenom Konnor Griffin. The 19-year-old Griffin is getting a new nine-year deal from the Pirates for an immense sum of money that marks the largest contract in Pittsburgh franchise history (read the full details here).
Speaking with reporters later in the day on Wednesday, the Pirates ace pitcher Skenes was asked about Griffin’s extension and said that he was “super happy” for Griffin and his family. But Skenes also closed out his remarks with an ominous comment.
“He’s gonna be the face of the Pirates for a long time,” said Skenes of Griffin.
“He’s gonna be the face of the Pirates for a long time.” -Paul Skenes on Konnor Griffin pic.twitter.com/9mlXBTUgFY
— Talkin' Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) April 8, 2026
Of course, the 23-year-old reigning NL Cy Young winner Skenes is the undisputed face of the Pirates right now. But he has yet to agree to a long-term extension of his own with Pittsburgh and (as things currently stand) can leave in free agency after the 2029 MLB season.
Skenes has already voiced some frustrations with the Pirates, who have not had a winning season since 2018 (when Skenes was 15). Recent reports have also linked the righty Skenes to one major-market team, so his comments this week anointing his teammate Griffin as the long-term face of the Pirates will only draw further scrutiny.
