Three teams — the Milwaukee Brewers, Seattle Mariners and Pittsburgh Pirates — have handed out long-term extensions to their top prospects. Pittsburgh shortstop Konnor Griffin landed the largest deal: nine years, $140M. That tops the eight-year deals given to shortstops Colt Emerson ($95M) of Seattle and Cooper Pratt ($50 million) of Milwaukee.
According to ESPN’s Buster Olney, teams are expected to be more aggressive in locking up prospects long term, anticipating a potential work stoppage in 2027. The idea is that these contracts will be “grandfathered into the new system.” As a result, more rookies could soon find themselves with early-career extensions.
With this being the case, these three rookies could find themselves receiving extensions:
Infielder Kevin McGonigle | Detroit Tigers
McGonigle, the second-best prospect in the big leagues behind Griffin (h/t: MLB.com), is off to a hot start. In six games, he is batting .364 with a .985 OPS, two doubles, a triple and five RBI.
McGonigle, 21, is coming off a strong Arizona Fall League (.362 BA and 1.210 OPS) and a strong 2025, where he played on three levels in the Tigers’ system. In 88 games, the 21-year-old hit .305 with a .991 OPS and 19 home runs.
A deal similar to Emerson’s may be a good framework to use. But McGonigle now comes with big-league experience, making him a little more expensive. According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, McGonigle and the Tigers have “engaged” in extension talks.
Outfielder Chase DeLauter | Cleveland Guardians
DeLauter, 24, made a statement in his first three games as a big-league player, hitting four home runs. He is one of three players to hit four home runs in his first three regular-season games.
