Locked On Pirates - Daily Podcast On The Pittsburgh Pirates

Pittsburgh Pirates face a pivotal offseason—will they compete for top trade targets or watch the Kansas City Royals snag prime outfield talent? Pirates’ front office hesitancy could cost them proven hitters, with the Angels and Red Sox trade markets heating up. Is Pittsburgh ready to outmaneuver Kansas City and finally build a real contender, or will bargain shopping leave the team without difference-makers in the lineup? Gary Morgan breaks down the head-to-head battle between Nick Gonzalez and Nick York for second base, revealing which young infielder holds the edge and why decisive player evaluations matter for the Pirates’ playoff hopes. Get an inside look at advanced stat Wobicon and learn how contact quality could shape trade decisions. With the Padres facing financial turmoil, which teams will exploit offseason opportunities—and will the Pirates be aggressive enough to seize them?

Pittsburgh Pirates cut ties with Jack Suwinski and Joey Bart—will smart subtraction unlock a winning roster? Gary Morgan argues that non-tendering underperforming arbitration-eligible players like Bart, Ramirez, Holderman, and Sawinski isn’t just about saving $7.3 million; it’s a bold step toward shedding dead weight and upgrading the bench with real talent. Gary breaks down the Rule 5 draft conundrum, weighing the merits of protecting high-upside arms Brandon Bidois, Antoine Kelly, and Esmeralda Valdez for the 40-man roster. Can the Pirates leverage freed-up roster spots to sign impactful veterans and foster breakout performances? Critical questions include Henry Davis’s development: after focusing on defense and overcoming mechanical issues, could he emerge as a much stronger hitter in 2026? Discover which prospects could define Pittsburgh’s future and why hard decisions set the stage for a competitive season.

Pittsburgh Pirates fans get a jolt of optimism as Tony Blanco Jr. smashes Home Run Derby records and Esmerlin Valdez dominates Arizona Fall League pitching. Are these power-hitting prospects the future sluggers Pittsburgh has been waiting for? Gary Morgan breaks down their explosive performances, why Valdez is knocking on the majors' door, and what makes Blanco’s raw power impossible to ignore—despite lingering questions about his contact skills and future position. The conversation swings to potential off-season moves, including the realistic chances of the Pirates winning the Munetaka Murakami sweepstakes and the strategic value behind Joe La Sorsa’s addition to the bullpen. Gary Morgan tackles fan skepticism, examines front office philosophy, and considers what smart roster-building really looks like in Pittsburgh. Don’t miss this high-energy look at where the Pirates stand now—and how far this new wave of talent might carry them.

Pittsburgh Pirates fans ignite the offseason with bold trade ideas and contract speculation. Is a Luis Robert-style extension the right move for O’Neil Cruz? Gary Morgan tackles hot topics including the future of Mitch Keller, Brian Reynolds, Bubba Chandler, and Griffin, questioning who’s truly untouchable and how potential deals could reshape the roster ahead of Spring Training. Roster moves and developmental strategies dominate the discussion as Gary Morgan explores prospects like Turmar Johnson, the impact of acquiring names such as Taylor Ward, Joe Adele, and Kobe Mayo, and debates unconventional approaches for building a stronger major-league lineup. Insights on international scouting, bullpen reinforcements, and proactive GM tactics set the stage for a pivotal offseason. Will the Pirates seize their opportunity to contend, or stick to familiar patterns and risk stagnation?

In the final chapter of our Operation 83 Wins series, we explore the Pirates’ cheapest possible path forward. Why they might do it, how they’d pull it off, and what it would mean for fans and the franchise. It’s not pretty — but it’s possible.

Part 2 of Operation 83 Wins dives into the Pirates’ latest roster moves, including waiving Ji Hwan Bae, Liover Peguero, and Jack Little. We explore the likelihood of Mitch Keller being traded for payroll reasons, and how the team’s offseason strategy continues to reflect typical Pirates behavior — minimal spending, internal development, and a few familiar faces returning.

Gary Morgan lays out his offseason blueprint for the Pittsburgh Pirates, aiming to reach 83+ wins and secure a wild card spot using a $35- 40M budget. From aggressive trade proposals to targeted free agent signings and internal development bets, this episode is a full breakdown of how to build a playoff contender without breaking the bank.

The Dodgers win a classic World Series, Yamamoto makes history, and the offseason officially begins. Gary breaks down the key stats from the Fall Classic, walks through the MLB offseason calendar, and kicks off the My Way, Cheap Way, Pirates Wayseries with a look at payroll and arbitration projections. What will the Pirates do with their budget?

A Halloween-themed episode of Locked On Pirates featuring spooky trade speculation around Dylan Crews, a haunted awards ceremony for the Pirates’ top performers, and a reassuring look at the 40-man roster purge.

Gary Morgan explores whether Jared Jones should be moved to the bullpen, evaluates Esmerlyn Valdez’s chances of adjusting to MLB pitching, and reacts to Derek Shelton’s hiring as the new manager of the Minnesota Twins.

Gary Morgan hosts a full Ask Me Anything episode of Locked On Pirates, tackling fan-submitted questions about prospects, roster decisions, ownership, expansion, and GM Ben Cherington’s track record. No fluff, just honest answers.

Gary Morgan reacts to breaking news that the Pirates have hired Astros pitching coach Bill Murphy to replace Oscar Marin. What does this mean for the team’s pitching development and 2026 outlook? Then, Gary breaks down the Pirates’ flawed strategy of acquiring blocked players and answers two AMA questions: should the Pirates invest even more in pitching, and is it time to non-tender Colin Holderman and Jack Suwinski—even if they might thrive elsewhere?

The 2025 World Series is tied, and we’re asking the ultimate question: Could the best Pirates team of the 21st century take down the Dodgers or Blue Jays? We build the roster, break down the matchups, and give our verdict — with one big takeaway: maybe, just maybe, we’ve had what it takes all along.

The Washington Nationals have hired Justin Horowitz, the Pirates’ director of amateur scouting, as their new assistant GM. In this episode, we explore why this move hurts more than it should, how Horowitz’s draft philosophy reflects a smarter approach than the Pirates seem willing to embrace, and why the team’s refusal to look outside — or even protect what’s inside — might be its biggest weakness.

In this episode of Locked On Pirates, host Gary Morgan tells the story of how the NHL saved itself with a salary cap after a brutal ten-month lockoutand what lessons MLB can learn from it. From the 1994 labor battles to the 2005 breakthrough, this is a tale of survival, unity, and the painful path to progress. Could baseball be next?

Today on Locked On Pirates, Gary Morgan breaks down the 2025 World Series matchup between the Dodgers and Blue Jays, answers listener questions about free agent outfield options, and explains why wRC+ is the most important stat for evaluating hitters.

Today on Locked On Pirates, Gary Morgan breaks down the salary cap debate in Major League Baseball. With insights from NFL parity, Tony Clark’s opposition, and the reality of small market struggles, this episode explores what real reform could look like — and why Pirates fans should demand it.

Gary Morgan breaks down the Top 10 Free Agent Signings of the Nutting era in Pittsburgh, showing why big-name signings are unrealistic and why the Pirates continue to rely on internal development. A must-listen for fans who want a dose of reality and a bit of hope.

Jared Triolo and Tommy Pham earn Gold Glove nominations, but what does it mean for the Pirates’ future? Gary answers fan AMA questions about Andrew McCutchen’s return, Dennis Santana trade rumors, and the Jack Suwinski non-tender debate.

Derek Shelton is drawing manager interest — does the league think the Pirates made him look bad? Esmerlyn Valdez is crushing the AFL with 4 homers and 10 walks. Should he be in the 2026 plans? Plus, an AMA on whether the Pirates could carry three catchers next season.

The Pirates claim Will Robertson off waivers and DFA Ryan Kreidler. We explain OPS+ and why it’s better than raw OPS. Then we dive into the ALCS and NLCS, where the Mariners and Dodgers are dominating. Could we be headed for a historic World Series matchup?

Gary Morgan reflects on the importance of moving forward with realistic optimism about the Pirates' future, using quantum mechanics as a metaphor for the unseen forces shaping player development. He honors the tradition of fans gathering at the Forbes Field wall to celebrate Bill Mazeroski’s legendary walk-off, and breaks down the advanced stat OPS to help fans better understand offensive performance.

In today’s episode, Gary Morgan lays out the three smartest internal moves the Pirates could make this offseason — starting with a bold extension for Konnor Griffin, initiating talks with Paul Skenes, and striking early in free agency and trades. It’s time to move forward. Let’s talk about building something real.

Gary Morgan breaks down the flawed hitting philosophy dominating baseball, recaps the latest playoff chaos including the Blue Jays eliminating the Yankees and the Dodgers walking off the Phillies, and reads fan-submitted trade targets from Wednesday’s episode on arbitration estimates.

Today on Locked On Pirates, Gary Morgan continues the Positional Review series with a look at the Designated Hitter spot. Should the Pirates bring back Andrew McCutchen, sign a dedicated slugger, or keep it flexible? Plus, an AMA on Quinn Priester’s development and a sharp comparison between how the Royals and Pirates communicate payroll realities to their fans.

Today on Locked On Pirates, Gary Morgan continues the Positional Review series with a look at the outfield depth chart. He breaks down arbitration projections, explains the MLB tender process in simple terms, and goes shopping for trade and free agent targets from other teams. Homework alert: listeners are asked to submit their top 3 trade targets and top 3 non-tender candidates for next episode!

Today on Locked On Pirates, Gary Morgan continues the Positional Review Series with a look at third base. He questions the decision to retain hitting coach Matt Hague and evaluates his impact on star players. Plus, a spotlight on the eight Pirates prospects heading to the Arizona Fall League, including Esmerlyn Valdez, Tony Blanco Jr., and Will Taylor.

Today on Locked On Pirates, host Gary Morgan combines Second Base and Shortstop to evaluate the Pirates' internal options for 2026. From Nick Yorke’s limitations to Konnor Griffin’s upside, we break down who fits where, who could surprise, and why shortstop might still need an external upgrade. Plus, in our AMA segment, Gary tackles the question: “Why do we have to hear about exit velocity?” with a fun, insightful look at why it matters—especially for Oneil Cruz.

Today on Locked On Pirates, host Gary Morgan continues the Positional Review series with a deep dive into First Base. He breaks down the 2025 offensive stats for Rafael Flores, Jared Triolo, Spencer Horwitz, Nick Yorke, Malcom Nuñez, and Enmanuel Valdez. Plus, Andrew McCutchen responds to rumors about his future with a cryptic social media post, and Gary answers a fan AMA about Konnor Griffin’s chances of starting at shortstop in 2026.

Today we kick off a brand-new series: Positional Review, starting with Catcher. We rank Henry Davis, Joey Bart, Rafael Flores, Endy Rodriguez, and Abrahan Gutierrez defensively and offensively, then build a depth chart for 2026. Plus, we dive into today’s three winner-take-all Wild Card games and discuss what Ben Cherington’s confirmed return means for the Pirates’ offseason strategy.

The Pirates have let go of Oscar Marin, Mike Rabelo, and Brent Strom as Don Kelly begins shaping his coaching staff. We break down the pitching stats under Marin, question why the offense remains untouched, and answer an AMA: who’s more surprisingly still here—Ben Cherington or Travis Williams?

The Pirates are running it back with Ben Cherington, Travis Williams, and Don Kelly. Gary shares quotes from the front office and manager, then breaks down the playoff matchups: Tigers vs Guardians, Padres vs Cubs, Red Sox vs Yankees, and Reds vs Dodgers.

The 2025 Pirates never truly had a chance — and they knew it. In Segment 1, we explore what players are saying about the team’s future and the need for investment. Segment 2 dives into the deeper dysfunction that plagued the season. And in Segment 3, we celebrate the players who stood out with our 2025 Team Awards. Let’s talk about what went wrong, what went right, and what must change.

AMA Special! Gary answers your toughest questions about the Pirates — from payroll philosophy and coaching changes to Ben Cherington’s future and the state of the NL Central. No topic is off-limits in this brutally honest, fan-driven episode.

Gary Morgan recaps the Pirates’ thrilling 4–3 extra-inning win over the Reds on September 24, 2025, and its impact on Cincinnati’s playoff hopes. He also explores the philosophy of player development, focusing on Nick Gonzales and Jared Triolo as they enter a pivotal fourth year. Plus, a fan AMA on the future of baseball if the sport shuts down in 2027.

Gary Morgan recaps the Pirates’ 4-2 win over the Reds, including Hunter Barco’s MLB debut, Oneil Cruz’s 20th homer, and Rafael Flores behind the plate. He also answers AMA questions about the ABS challenge system and how it could impact Pirates pitchers and hitters, and discusses what kind of hitting philosophy the team should adopt if a new GM is hired.

The Pirates face the Reds in a series that could decide the final NL Wild Card spot. We break down the pitching matchups, playoff implications, and dive into a two-part AMA covering trade prospects, Ben Cherington’s future, Henry Davis’s development, and more.

The Pirates shut out the A’s for the final 22 innings of their weekend series and capped it off with an 11-0 blowout win. In Segment 1, we break down the pitching dominance, offensive highlights, and home vs. away splits. Then, we shift to Ben Cherington’s press availability, where the GM addressed his uncertain future, the team’s offensive struggles, and what needs to change heading into 2026. It’s a loaded episode — let’s go.

The Oakland A’s come to town, and somehow they look ahead of the Pirates — despite having every excuse to be worse. Gary Morgan breaks down the final 9 games of the season, the excuses already forming, and why this year feels like a merciful end more than a sad goodbye.

The Altoona Curve are one win away from advancing in the Southwest Division playoffs after a dominant Game 1 win over Erie. Gary breaks down the standout performances, previews Game 2, and dives into why AA success hasn’t translated to MLB impact for the Pirates — and why that needs to change.

Is Don Kelly actually a good manager, or just better than Derek Shelton? We break down his record, the Pirates’ reliance on Paul Skenes, and how this six-year stretch compares to the worst in MLB history.

Gary Morgan breaks down the Pirates’ current infield usage and projects who’s earned a job for 2026. He answers a listener question about mental health support in pro sports and previews early 40-man roster decisions, including Hunter Barco and Brandon Bidois.

Gary Morgan goes off on Oneil Cruz’s disappointing season and questions whether he can be part of the Pirates’ future core. He also honors Roberto Clemente on his day and asks fans to share their stories for a future tribute episode. Finally, he breaks down Ji-Hwan Bae’s confusing recall and what it says about the team’s direction.

What if the Pittsburgh Pirates don't fire Ben Cherington? Gary Morgan explores the implications of keeping the current GM in place—from the front office vision to the 2026 roster. Is continuity the key, or a recipe for more of the same?

Paul Skenes reaches 200 strikeouts, but the Pirates clinch another losing season. Gary Morgan breaks down Skenes’s performance, the Orioles series, and the Pirates’ five-year offensive decline. Plus, what Henry Davis’s struggles say about the team’s development system.

Two Pirates affiliates—Altoona and Greensboro—are in the playoffs, facing off against teams loaded with Top 100 prospects. We break down the matchups, highlight standout players, and discuss the value of winning in the minors. Plus, Braxton Ashcraft’s case for a 2026 rotation spot and a look at the upcoming Roberto Clemente documentary airing on The History Channel.

AMA Time! Gary answers your questions about Paul Skenes’ Cy Young chances, MLB expansion cities, the Pirates’ offseason plans, Brandan Bidois’ insane streak, and whether the team should go all-in on Eugenio Suárez. Plus: Oviedo vs. Keller trade value, the middle infield debate, and how to bridge a 180-inning gap in the 2026 rotation.

The Pirates were swept by the Brewers, marking their fourth time being swept this season and continuing a streaky trend of feast-or-famine baseball. We break down the series, highlight performances, and dig into the team’s sweep stats. Then, we take a closer look at Bubba Chandler’s rough first MLB start and what it means for his development. Finally, we revisit Oneil Cruz’s ongoing slump — a puzzling stretch that the Pirates simply have to ride out.

Paul Skenes leads the Pirates to a sweep of the Dodgers and tightens his grip on the Cy Young race. Don Kelly’s leadership and Isaac Mattson’s breakout rookie season highlight a strong stretch for Pittsburgh. We honor the 54th anniversary of the first all-minority lineup with details from the plaque ceremony and preview tonight’s Brewers matchup featuring Quinn Priester vs. Johan Oviedo.

Braxton Ashcraft escapes two jams, Shohei Ohtani scratches his start but still hits, and the Pirates shut out the Dodgers. Then we dive into a full minor league check-in: stats, stories, rankings, and ETAs on Griffin, Barco, Florentino, Johnson, Stafura, Flores, Harrington, and Sanford. Finally, we break down the Pirates’ pitcher usage in August and what it means for 2026—can we trust the results?

The Pirates beat the Dodgers 9–7 in a game full of drama and development. Gary recaps the key moments — from Bubba Chandler’s outing and Shohei Ohtani’s historic 120 MPH homer to Jared Triolo’s clutch performance and breakout August. Plus, a preview of tonight’s Braxton Ashcraft vs. Ohtani matchup, with a spotlight on Ohtani’s ongoing Tommy John rehab.

The Pirates call up Nick Yorke and Cam Sanders — we break down Yorke’s AAA stats and why it took so long. Then, we dive into how power dominates MLB and answer a listener question about what a 2027 lockout could mean for team control. Finally, we preview a brutal homestand against the Dodgers and Brewers, featuring marquee matchups like Kershaw vs Mlodzinski and Snell vs Skenes.

The Pirates claimed Ryan Kreidler off waivers—so why not Nick Yorke? We break down the decision and what it says about the team’s priorities. Then, we assess the Pirates’ post-All-Star performance and Don Kelly’s impact, arguing that 2026 improvement is within reach. Finally, we revisit five unforgettable Pirates performances that were never repeated. It’s a mix of roster moves, optimism, and nostalgia on today’s Locked On Pirates.

In this episode of Locked On Pirates, host Gary Morgan breaks down Oneil Cruz’s rollercoaster 2025 season month-by-month and sets expectations for 2026. Listener questions spark a deep dive into Rafael Flores’ AAA performance and the team’s chances of reaching .500 next season. Plus, we examine the free agent market at third base and in the outfield—from budget-friendly veterans to dream targets like Kyle Tucker. It’s a full plate of Pirates talk with stats, strategy, and a look ahead to what could be a pivotal offseason.

Bubba Chandler tossed four scoreless innings to earn his first MLB win in a tight 2–1 victory over the Cardinals — and it’s time to talk about what’s next for the Pirates’ top pitching prospect. Then, we dive into a listener-submitted debate comparing Termarr Johnson to Nick Yorke and ask whether Jared Triolo’s late-season surges make him the anti-Mitch Keller. Finally, we count down the ten best individual Pirates seasons since 1993 — from Brian Giles’ overlooked dominance to Andrew McCutchen’s MVP peak.

On today’s Locked On Pirates, host Gary Morgan makes the case for Henry Davis as the starting catcher in 2026—even if the bat doesn’t fully come around. With elite defensive metrics and a team built around pitching, Davis is the right fit. We also dive into the Pirates’ sweeping changes to their player development system, including the creation of a Performance Department and key front office hires aimed at fixing their offensive woes. Finally, we break down the latest roster moves, including the DFA of Andrew Heaney, the return of Oneil Cruz, and what to expect from Dauri Moreta and Jackson Sisk. It’s a packed episode—let’s get into it.

The Pirates dropped a tough one in St. Louis, but the real story is Andrew Heaney’s continued struggles—0.2 innings, 5 earned runs, and no answers. Johan Oviedo was pulled after four innings as part of a planned ramp-up, and the bullpen couldn’t hold it. Bryan Reynolds continues to look like himself with another multi-hit night, and we close with a reality check on Termarr Johnson—still just 20, still progressing, and still very much a key piece of the future. Let’s talk about what matters.

In this episode of Locked On Pirates, Gary dives into the rising Cy Young buzz around Paul Skenes and what it means for the Pirates' future. Then it’s back to PNC Park, where the team’s home-field performance is starting to tell a different story. Finally, Jared Triolo’s recent surge at the plate gets the spotlight—has he turned a corner, or is this just a hot streak? All that and more in a jam-packed episode that blends optimism with realism.

In this special episode, host Gary Morgan dives deep into the rollercoaster ride that has been the Bob Nutting era of Pittsburgh Pirates baseball (2007–present). Through a series of Top Ten lists, we explore the highs and lows that have defined nearly two decades of Pirates history—from breakout hitters and dominant starting pitchers to free agent gambles and front office misfires. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a long-suffering observer, this episode offers a candid, entertaining, and sometimes painful look at the triumphs that gave us hope and the tragedies that tested our loyalty. It’s a celebration, a reckoning, and a reminder of why we keep coming back.

The Pirates are calling up Bubba Chandler — but not to start. Gary breaks down the plan to use him in long relief and what that means for a bullpen already stretched thin. Johan Oviedo returned with a strong outing to help the Bucs take the series from Toronto, and we dive into what his performance means for the 2026 rotation. Plus, Bryan Reynolds is quietly heating up, and Oneil Cruz’s return could be just around the corner. All that and more on today’s Locked On Pirates.

Mitch Keller’s annual late-season meltdown is back on schedule, and the Pirates are now 53–74. But hey, Johan Oviedo is returning, so… maybe that’s something? Gary recaps the latest loss to the Blue Jays, then takes you to Altoona for a much more enjoyable night of baseball featuring Konnor Griffin’s AA debut, Duce Gourson’s breakout performance, and Tyler Samaniego throwing gas like he’s got somewhere to be. Plus, we do the math on what it would take for the Pirates to reach 76 wins again—and whether that number even matters. Spoiler: it probably doesn’t.

Paul Skenes bounces back, Mitch Keller stumbles, and Cutch speaks out. In today’s episode, Gary breaks down Paul Skenes’ strong rebound performance against the Blue Jays and what it means for the Pirates’ rotation. Then, we dive into Mitch Keller’s post-All-Star break struggles—what’s going wrong, and can he turn it around? Finally, Andrew McCutchen opens up about his future and the team’s playoff hopes, plus a quick spotlight on Konnor Griffin’s debut with the Altoona Curve. It’s a packed show you won’t want to miss!

Konnor Griffin’s promotion to Double-A Altoona is turning heads—and he’s only 19. Gary Morgan breaks down Griffin’s stats, age context, and what it means for the Pirates’ future. Then it’s on to the rotation mess: Heaney’s demotion, AAA reinforcements, and a possible shift to a 6-man setup. Finally, we debate Triolo vs. Devanney for a key roster spot and wrap up the Cubs series. It’s a jam-packed episode full of insight, stats, and speculation. Let’s go Bucs!

Today’s episode is a fan-driven Ask Me Anything. We’ll tackle questions about the front office, coaching staff, lineup decisions, prospect call-ups, and more. From hitting coaches to trade ideas, you brought the heat.

We avoided it yesterday, but we have to discuss this ugly series, why changing the GM probably won’t be enough and a little about prospect success

We’re joined by my good friend Eric Minshall from the Ohio Baseball science Academy and we’re going to pepper him with questions about pitching, development, management, all of it.

Today we’re packing in a bunch, Why playing veterans with no future is a dead-end street, how the Brewers keep winning while giving youth a chance, and why the Pirates need to stop waiting and start trying.

The Pirates just wrapped a rollercoaster series against the Reds—Paul Skenes looked like an ace, the bats showed life, and then Sunday happened. Now, they head into Milwaukee to face the division leaders. But as the season winds down, one question looms larger than any scoreboard: Is Don Kelly quietly building the foundation for 2026?

Today we’re talking about a performance that was equal parts gritty and brilliant from the Pirates Ace, how foolish it would be to give up on Henry Davis, and we’ll discuss Ke’Bryan Hayes return to PNC Park as a Reds player.

We’re going to talk about the Reds series that starts tonight, but we’re going to start by talking about questions this team has answered for 2026, as well as new questions they’ve handed us to ponder.

We’ll discuss last night’s game a bit, and I really want to talk about how deep this Pirates pitching is and how the team should focus their energy the rest of the way.

We’re obviously talking about an exciting come from behind walk off last night, I’ll turn our attention to a couple ex Pirates and we’ll wrap up with a look at why some players are still getting chances.

We have to discuss Ben Cherington’s comments on Sunday on his radio show, the weekend series against the Rockies and a look toward the Giants series with a returning starting pitcher from the IL Johan Oviedo going tonight.

This was largely just gross. You can spend time assigning blame, but I think we all know the targets at this point, so I’m just here to go through the deals and I use that term lightly, mix in some of Ben Cherington’s post deadline press availability and talk it through, with you.

The Pirates have traded their All-Star closer to the New York Yankees in exchange for three prospects. We’re going to break down who the Pirates got, what this means for the future, and yeah—I’ll give you my honest take on the deal. Spoiler alert: I’m not thrilled.

We’re going to talk a bit about what’s already been done, this GM’s history at the deadline here in Pittsburgh and I’ll wrap with some words of wisdom from a player soon to be departed.

The Pirates traded Ke'Bryan Hayes to the Reds for 2 players in a classic salary dump move.

Today we’ve got a jam-packed episode coming off a big win last night against the Giants — that’s seven wins in the last eight for your Buccos. We’ll break down how the Pirates pulled off another W, what’s clicking right now, and what if anything this stretch means for the deadline. Then, we’ll dive into the trades – er- umm — or lack thereof — and explore what it could look like if the front office decides to hold onto all that starting pitching. And finally, we’re taking a trip down to the farm to spotlight the Pirates’ top power prospects — who’s mashing in the minors, and who might be the next big bat to break through?

In today’s episode we’re breaking down last night’s win, McCutchen’s milestone, and what it all means for this team. Then, we zoom out. Five years into the rebuild—how far have the Pirates really come? We’ll compare 2021 to 2025, and ask the big question: is this working? And finally, we’ll talk about the fog hanging over the front office. Who’s in charge? What’s the plan? And how much longer can this confusion last?

Today, we’re diving into a weekend that gave Pirates fans a glimpse of what this team could be — and a front office that still seems unsure how to get there.

We have a lot to cover today, including my plea to not trade Cruz and an NL Central roster of the best of the best, but we start today with exciting news, even if it was kinda expected, Konnor Griffin is MLB’s top prospect.

The Pirates swept the Tigers with standout performances from Spencer Horwitz and Bailey Falter, we’re going to talk about winning and losing trades and finally, I’m having Gabby from Locked on Red Sox on and we’re going to see if we can’t come up with some deals that might work for both sides.

Today, we’re going to talk about last night’s game, some lineup observations I’ve made and we also have to talk about getting cold feet on moving some guys.

Paul Skenes just got his first home win since April, and the guys who drove in his 3 runs of support are guys who will be here next year. That’s the best kind of win this team can have in 2025

Uncertainty is killing this team, and so is their overall hitting philosophy, today Gary unloads on the state of the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Today, we’re diving into the Pittsburgh Pirates’ 2025 second half and the critical decisions they face moving forward. The team is at a pivotal moment, and fans, players, and even ownership are feeling the pressure. We’re going to explore three possible paths the Pirates could take—and what each one means for the future of the franchise.

Nothing but your great questions and my attempt to answer them, it's an all new AMA episode of Locked On Pirates!

Today, we have a trade to discuss as Adam Frazier was shipped to KC for Cam Devanney, I want to discuss how the All Star Game went for Paul Skenes and how it ended as well as a focus on the Pirates overall philosophy at the deadline I think they need to have.