Fair Territory with Ken Rosenthal Pirates option Konnor Griffin, Cristopher Sánchez extension, Max Scherzer piano-playing rehab
Mar 23, 2026
Discussion of the Phillies’ multi-year guarantee for Cristopher Sánchez and what it means for their rotation. Coverage of the Pirates optioning top prospect Konnor Griffin to Triple-A and the service-time implications. A look at Max Scherzer using piano playing as part of thumb rehab. Thoughts on the Marlins’ early-season outlook amid Kyle Stowers’ injury.
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Phillies Bought Pitching Certainty At A Cost
- The Phillies extended Cristopher Sánchez to add two guaranteed years, prioritizing payroll predictability over immediate need.
- Ken Rosenthal argues the move buys club control through 2032 but carries injury risk and may not be the most efficient payroll decision.
Pirates Weigh Development Versus Service Time For Griffin
- The Pirates optioned phenom Konnor Griffin to Triple-A despite his prospect status to prioritize development and avoid premature promotion.
- Rosenthal notes service-time, draft-pick incentives, and team urgency all factor into whether Pittsburgh keeps him down or promotes him quickly.
Service Time Strategy Can Backfire For Teams
- Teams use service-time and extension timing as leverage to control top prospects' contracts and promotions.
- Rosenthal cites Paul Skeens' 2024 example where delayed promotion cost the Pirates a draft pick and didn't prevent full service credit.