Brewers’ $50 million World Series hero Cooper Pratt shows Pirates what comes after Konnor Griffin extension

Writer Emma Lingan argues that Cooper Pratt's World Series success with the Milwaukee Brewers demonstrates to the Pittsburgh Pirates that extending young talent like Konnor Griffin is only the first step toward building a championship contender. In Game 2 against the Tampa Bay Rays, Pratt hit a seventh-inning go-ahead single to cap a 5-4 comeback win and give Milwaukee a 2-0 series lead, backed by a complete team performance from bullpen arms and complementary hitters.

Lingan notes that while both clubs signed their young shortstops to major extensions in April—Pratt for $50.75 million and Griffin for $140 million—Pittsburgh must now surround Griffin with necessary depth. Despite an 82-80 finish in 2026, the Pirates missed the postseason and face key offseason roster decisions.