The Pittsburgh Pirates are calling up the No. 1 prospect in Major League Baseball in young infielder Konnor Griffin.
That's not all, though. ESPN's Buster Olney reported on Thursday that Griffin will be landing a historic, long-term extension with the Pirates to the tune of roughly $140 million across nine years.
"Konnor Griffin's deal with the Pirates: nine years, $140 million. They're still working on finalizing," Olney wrote.
It's going to be an exciting day for the Pirates on Friday, but not so much for a former member of the Boston Red Sox. Remember former Boston infielder Emmanuel Valdez? Well, to make room for the No. 1 prospect in baseball, the Pirates reportedly designated Valdez for assignment on Friday, according to USA Today's Bob Nightengale.
"Pittsburgh Pirates officially promote [Konnor Griffin] and designate IF Emmanuel Valdez for assignment," Nightengale wrote. "Griffin, who will wear No. 6, becomes the first teenager to make his debut with the Pirates since Aramis Ramirez on May 26, 1998. His new contract becomes official this weekend."
Valdez spent time with Boston in the big leagues in 2023 and 2024. There was a time when Valdez looked like a potential piece to help this club in the infield for years to come, or at least that was the perception. It didn't turn into a reality, though. He played in 125 games for Boston and now a few years later, he is being DFA'd for the top prospect in the game.