Locked On Pirates - Daily Podcast On The Pittsburgh Pirates

Pittsburgh Pirates shatter records as Ryan O’Hearn delivers a historic 10-RBI performance in a 12–4 rout of the Atlanta Braves. Has this offensive explosion reignited the squad’s postseason hopes?

Gary Morgan spotlights Paul Skenes finally earning run support while analyzing the significance of O’Hearn’s unforgettable night. The episode unpacks the latest on top prospect Konnor Griffin’s injury and lays out three bold trade deadline strategies—from conservative bullpen upgrades like Kyle Finnegan and Taylor Rogers, to aggressive targets such as Robbie Ray, AJ Minter, and even a blockbuster Tarek Skubal deal. Key topics include the Pi...

Nathan breaks down the series opener between the Pirates and Braves. Have a night, Ryan O'Hearn! O'Hearn would smash 3 HR, and a team and career record 10 RBI in ONE game! Paul Skenes looked better tonight, than previous during his rough stretch, but O'Hearn stole the show. The Pirates will look to take game two and the series tomorrow night with Jared Jones on the mound.

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Pittsburgh Pirates prepare to shape their next decade with the MLB Draft’s fifth overall pick and the league’s largest bonus pool. Will Jackson Flora become the latest ace to emerge from Pittsburgh's elite pitching pipeline, or will the front office target high-upside prep stars like Eric Booth Jr. or Jacob Lombard? The conversation focuses on draft strategy, the organization’s pitching development success, and the flexibility offered by coveted supplemental picks.

Attention shifts to the Pirates’ playoff push, fueled by a top-five offensive unit led by Bryan Reynolds, Brandon Lowe, and Esmerlyn Valdez. With the team’s b...

Gonzales and Esmerlyn Valdez fueling a 4–3 stretch on the road. Are the Pirates building real momentum for a second-half surge? Gary Morgan breaks down how aggressive baserunning from Konnor Griffin, critical late-game rallies, and improved pitching are reshaping expectations for the Bucs.

All-Star roster debates heat up as Paul Skenes receives the lone Pirates nod, but should Brandon Lowe, Bryan Reynolds, or Ashcraft have made the cut? Gary Morgan tackles fan frustrations over runners in scoring position stats, explains why on-base percentage and consistent traffic matter more, and forecasts Pittsburgh’s outlook heading into the All-Star break. Can...

Nathan breaks down game three of the series between the Pirates and Nationals. The Pirates offense started out hot with 4 runs against Cade Cavalli but then were quiet until an 8th inning rally. Bryan Reynolds, and Brandon Lowe both went yard. Bubba Chandler had a rocky start today against the Nationals. The Pirates will head back to PNC Park this week the face the Braves and Brewers.

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Nathan breaks down game two of the weekend series between the Pirates and Nationals. Braxton Ashcraft put together yet again another solid outing to celebrate the 4th of July in DC. He put together 7 strikeouts and 1 earned run across 5.2 innings of work. The offense put together a solid day by scoring in bunches in the 2nd and 8th innings, along with a steal of home by Konnor Griffin in the 1st. Bubba Chandler will look to give the Pirates a series win tomorrow in the finale.

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Mitch Keller was hit hard early and often and put the Pirates in a hole that was too much to climb out of as the Bucs fall 9-5 to the Nationals. Keller settled down and ended up going six innings with five runs allowed on eight hits, including three home runs. Bryan Reynolds hit a solo home run (12th) for the lone Pirates run of the game. Nationals first baseman Luis Garcia hit two home runs to lead the Nationals as they clubbed four dingers in the win.

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Pittsburgh Pirates threaten franchise history with a midseason power surge—could 200 home runs be within reach? Gary Morgan spotlights the transformation at PNC Park, as Brandon Lowe and Ryan O’Hearn power a lineup reinvented by Ben Cherrington’s bold offseason moves. With the Pirates surging in run production and this year’s catching corps already approaching a long-standing home run record, the conversation turns to whether this new-look offense can fuel a serious playoff push.

Relive the top 10 moments in Pirates history, from Bill Mazeroski’s legendary 1960 walk-off to Roberto Clemente’s unforgettable 3,000th hit. Gary Morgan explo...

The Pirates battled back to win a gritty 6-1 game over the Phillies to get back to .500 at 44-44. Esmerlyn Valdez had two hits and three RBIs including a huge go-ahead RBI triple in the 7th inning to continue his hot hitting. Jared Jones went four innings with one run allowed on two hits and six strikeouts. Carmen Mlodzinski came in after Jones and shut down the Phillies for three scoreless innings. Endy Rodriguez and Nick Gonzales each hit a solo home run for insurance runs late.

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Pittsburgh Pirates’ playoff hopes hit a snag as ace Paul Skenes falters on the mound—can the team still count on their foundation? Gary Morgan tackles Skenes’ alarming slide, dissecting his recent struggles with command, declining velocity, and a changing pitch mix. The conversation spotlights the Pirates’ losing streak in Skenes’ starts, questions surrounding player workload, and the complexities of managing a pitcher with a massive support staff and specialized routines.

Key topics include the Pirates’ approach to lineup decisions against left-handed pitchers, the fairness of pitching coach criticism, and creative trade proposals involving Ryan O’Hearn. Gary Morgan al...

The Pirates drop their second straight to the Phillies Wednesday night to drop back under .500 in a 10-6 loss. Paul Skenes struggled again and gave up seven earned runs as the Pirates have now lost nine straight Skenes starts. The bats got to Zack Wheeler as they chased him out of the game in the 5th inning with four runs allowed. Henry Davis belted his 7th home run of the season and Nick Gonzales had 3 hits.

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Pittsburgh Pirates go toe-to-toe with the Philadelphia Phillies, raising questions about just how close these squads are in the NL hierarchy. Can a surging Esmerlyn Valdez and a resilient lineup close the perceived gap—and is a second-half playoff push in sight? Gary Morgan breaks down the Pirates’ comeback win and tough loss, spotlights Valdez’s breakout power, and debates if veteran Marcell Ozuna’s days are numbered with Oneil Cruz and Spencer Horwitz nearing returns.

Key topics include critical bullpen concerns, a bold list of MLB trade targets—from Luke Weaver to Aroldis Chapman—and how the Pirates’...

Nathan breaks down game two of the four game series between the Pirates and Phillies. Cristopher Sanchez yet again had a stellar outing against the Pirates this year, as the bats couldn't get anything going. Bubba Chandler put together a solid effort but was given no run support. Paul Skenes will take the mound tomorrow.

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Pittsburgh Pirates defense faces a critical crossroads as outfield struggles and mounting errors threaten their playoff hopes. Can stars like Oneil Cruz and Konnor Griffin return in time to stabilize a unit that’s been bailed out by the infield’s solid play, or will the cost of sacrificing offense for defense prove too high? Gary Morgan breaks down tough choices facing Don Kelly, from whether Henry Davis or Endy Rodriguez should anchor behind the plate to why defensive replacements aren’t always a clear fix.

Roster strategy takes center stage with sharp analysis of trade deadline rumors...

Nathan breaks down game one of the four game series between the Pirates and Phillies. The Pirates offense came back to defeat the Phillies after falling down 5-0 early in the ballgame. The bullpen gave a scare in the 8th inning, but Endy Rodriguez provided some pop in the 9th to add to the Bucs offensive efforts. Jared Triolo and Esmerlyn Valdez both homered as well. The Pirates will look to take game two tomorrow as Bubba Chandler matches up against Phillies ace Christopher Sanchez.

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Pittsburgh Pirates face a pitching staff identity crisis as internal conflicts and role confusion threaten their playoff hopes. Can reimagining the bullpen—including a bold proposal to move Jared Jones into the closer role—reverse a string of blown late-game leads and carry the Bucs back into contention?

Gary Morgan examines Don Kelly’s leadership, reconstructs the Pirates’ rotation and bullpen deployment without outside help, and spotlights challenges with player buy-in, especially regarding Carmen Mlodzinski’s availability. The discussion scrutinizes Paul Skenes’ reliance on Henry Davis, Bubba Chandler’s progress, and the bullpen’s lack of killer instinct. With n...

Nathan breaks down the series finale between the Pirates and Reds. Ryan O'Hearn, Tyler Callihan, and Esmerlyn Valdez all showed their power in the Pirates win over the Reds. Mitch Keller, Carmen Mlodzinski, and Dennis Santana all hunkered down against the Reds. The Pirates will head to Philly to start a 4-game series tomorrow.

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The Pirates bullpen and Gregory Soto blew another save on Eugenio Suarez's 3-run home run in the top of the 9th to push the Reds past the Bucs 9-7. The Pirates rallied to take the lead on Esmerlyn Valdez's pinch-hit go-ahead solo home run in the 8th inning to lead 7-6, but couldn't hold it in the 9th inning. Brandon Lowe also homered for his team-leading 20th blast of the season, a three-run bomb in the third. Both starters struggled in this one as Jared Jones gave up four runs (three earned) in 4.2 innings and the Pirates bats got...

The Pirates fall in the opening game of the Reds series as Paul Skenes struggles again with four earned runs in the 2nd inning. He settled in and went five innings with seven strikeouts, but hasn’t won a game since May 12. The Pirates bats rallied back with Esmerlyn Valdez hitting a solo HR to tie the game in the 6th inning, but the Reds scored the go ahead two runs in the top of the 8th inning on a Noelvi Marte pinch-hit home run off Mason Montgomery to put the Reds ahead for good. Konnor Griffin returned in th...

Pittsburgh Pirates surge past .500 at midseason for the first time since 2015—can they capitalize on a wide-open National League playoff race? Gary Morgan spotlights Nick Gonzales' breakout at third base, the fight for a Wild Card spot, and the surprising strength of the Pirates’ run differential despite a shaky bullpen.

Trade deadline strategy takes center stage as Gary Morgan explores what NL contenders like the Dodgers, Brewers, Cubs, and Cardinals might do and what the Pirates need to stay in the mix. Key topics include the impact of bullpen struggles, Mitch Keller’s potential rebound, the evolving role o...

Bubba Chandler and the Pirates bullpen held onto a 5-1 victory to take the series over the Mariners Thursday afternoon at PNC Park. Henry Davis had two hits including a two-run home run and Brandon Lowe hit his 19th home run to give the Pirates offense early. Chandler limited the Mariners to one run in 5.1 innings and the Pirates bullpen held it the rest of the way allowing just one hit in 3.2 innings of work.

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Pittsburgh Pirates rout Seattle Mariners with an 11-1 offensive outburst, but the victory comes at a cost as Spencer Horwitz exits with a hamstring injury. Braxton Ashcraft dazzles with six innings and ten strikeouts, solidifying his place as one of MLB’s breakout pitchers. Ryan O’Hearn and Endy Rodriguez power the lineup, while Esmerlyn Valdez and Jake Mangum showcase the team’s lineup depth amid injury woes.

Gary Morgan breaks down the implications of Horowitz’s absence, upcoming returns of Konnor Griffin, and how the reshuffling impacts the Pirates’ push through a season-defining stretch. Key topics include th...

Nathan breaks down game two of the series between the Pirates and Mariners. Braxton Ashcraft put together a 10 strike out performance to help lead the Pirates to a win over the Mariners. The Pirates offense struck in bunches tonight with huge 4th and 7th innings. The Pirates will look to take the series tomorrow afternoon.

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Pittsburgh Pirates' gritty loss reveals a blueprint for turning the season around. Mitch Keller’s aggressive six-inning outing, the resurgence of bullpen arms like Mason Montgomery and Dennis Santana, and Bryan Reynolds' consistent hitting offer hope for more wins ahead. Yet, persistent struggles with runners in scoring position and lineup concerns keep the pressure on as the team hovers around .500—can they clean up their situational hitting and capitalize when it counts?

Gary Morgan breaks down early MLB trade radar targets, including names like Casey Mize, Freddy Peralta, Joe Ryan, and Aroldis Chapman, while weighing which Pirates pros...

Nathan breaks down game one of the series between the Pirates and Mariners. Mitch Keller was on track for a strong outing, but lost things in the 7th inning. The offense started to get some hits early against George Kirby but had hard times capitalizing. The Pirates will look to take game 2 and get back to .500 tomorrow.

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Pittsburgh Pirates’ lineup finds new balance with Jake Mangum’s energetic play. Can his contact skills and speed complement the power bats when Oneil Cruz returns? Gary Morgan spotlights Mangum’s value beyond the headlines, examining how his presence changes the Pirates’ offensive equation and why keeping him involved is crucial for sustained run production.

MLB’s proposed draft overhaul sparks debate across baseball. Will eliminating high school draftees and shrinking the draft to 12 rounds fundamentally alter player development? Gary Morgan unpacks the ripple effects for college recruiting, NIL money, and the minor leagues. The episode also tracks pro...

Pittsburgh Pirates limp through a .500 road trip, but is the real concern inconsistency or something deeper? Gary Morgan questions whether the Pirates’ current form reflects a playoff-caliber team, dissecting the struggles against the Rockies and Athletics and what it signals for the club’s future.

Key topics include Jared Jones’ injury scare, Bryan Reynolds’ scorching June, ongoing bullpen headaches, and how missing Oneil Cruz and Konnor Griffin exposes the lineup. Morgan evaluates Don Kelly’s management choices, highlights crucial trends in pitching and hitting, and addresses trade speculation around Carmen Mlodzinski. With the Wild Card race heating up, can th...

The Pirates offense finally woke up at Coors Field as they belted two home runs to defeat the Rockies 8-6 to salvage one game in the series. Nick Gonzales and Bryan Reynolds each homered to lead the Bucs in a 13-hit attack. Jared Jones started but left after three innings after being hit in the arm by a line drive. The Pirates bullpen surprised and held the lead for six innings.

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The Pirates offense was quiet again in this one as they drop their second straight game to the Rockies 2-1. The Pirates had a chance in the 9th inning when they loaded the bases with one out, but could not come through and now face a possible sweep Sunday. Paul Skenes struggled with control early, but settled in to go six innings allowing just four hits and two runs with eight strikeouts. Spencer Horwitz led off the game with his 10th home run of the season.

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Nathan breaks down game one of the weekend series between the Pirates and Rockies. The Pirates offense was silent until the 8th inning where Nick Gonzales would get the go ahead run in. However, the bullpen in the 8th inning had other plans. The offense would rally in the 9th but would come up short. Bryan Reynolds was scratched pre-game but would get a pinch-hit opportunity. Paul Skenes takes the mound tomorrow.

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Pittsburgh Pirates aim to reclaim momentum as Paul Skenes faces the unique test of Coors Field against the Colorado Rockies. Can the Pirates' rotation and rising stars propel them back into NL Central contention, or will the Rockies' emerging bats and home-field advantage spark another upset? Key matchups feature Skenes’ strikeout prowess versus Colorado's young guns, while Kyle Freeland’s track record challenges Pittsburgh’s lefty struggles.

Gary Morgan spotlights the Pirates’ playoff ambitions, evaluating internal improvements, trade deadline targets like Michael Lorenzen, and bullpen woes that could define their season. The conversation weighs the legitimacy of NL Centr...

Pittsburgh Pirates power past expectations, yet All-Star voting fails to recognize their breakout stars. Why are Brandon Lowe, Spencer Horowitz, Ryan O’Hearn, and Bryan Reynolds being overlooked despite fueling one of MLB’s top offenses? The conversation focused on market size, name recognition, and the flawed online voting system that leaves deserving Pirates out of the spotlight.

The discussion explored the All-Star Game’s fading significance, bullpen struggles, and ways to creatively address late-inning pitching. Key topics include Dennis Santana’s resurgence, Gregory Soto’s closer role, and why bullpen roles are finally stabilizing. Listener questions highlighte...

Nathan breaks down the finale of the three-game series between the Pirates and Athletics. The Pirates offense clobbered the Athletics in tonight's matchup. Ryan O'Hearn and Marcell Ozuna both went deep. Braxton Ashcraft put together a solid outing against the Athletics in Sacramento. The Pirates will head to Denver to face the Rockies this coming weekend.

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Pittsburgh Pirates surge as Bryan Reynolds puts on a masterclass—two home runs from both sides of the plate fuel a comeback against the Athletics, cementing his status as the engine of this resurgent team. Can Reynolds’ elite .400 OBP and renewed lineup support propel the Pirates into the playoff hunt?

Gary Morgan spotlights Reynolds’ complete season, breaks down Mitch Keller’s rollercoaster outings, and questions the puzzling handling of Marcell Ozuna’s roster spot. Discussion heats up around the Pirates’ bullpen woes, the catching situation with Henry Davis and Joey Bart, and organizational trends like hittable 100 mph fastballs. K...

Nathan breaks down game two of the series between the Pirates and Athletics. Brandon Lowe and Bryan Reynolds powered the Pirates to a comeback victory. Mitch Keller had an odd first inning. Locked On celebrates 10 years.

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Nathan breaks down game one of the series between the Pirates and Athletics. Jared Jones and Carmen Mlodzinski were used as a piggyback tandem, and both struggled. The offense yet again was quiet in the loss. The Pirates are now below .500.

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Locked On Pirates celebrates 10 years with a whirlwind look at a decade defined by breakout stars, heartbreak, and hope. From Starling Marte's electrifying 2016 campaign to Paul Skenes’ transformation of the Pirates’ pitching staff, which season stands as the decade’s most unforgettable? Gary Morgan breaks down iconic moments, including Andrew McCutcheon’s bounce-back, Josh Bell’s historic power surge, and the rise of David Bednar as an elite closer in MLB.

Who leads the 2026 Pittsburgh Pirates MVP race—Brandon Lau with his record-setting home run pace, the consistency of Bryan Reynolds, or the electric potential of Oneil Cruz? Morgan...

Pittsburgh Pirates stumble against their Wild Card rivals, exposing glaring inconsistencies in lineup depth and timely hitting. With Oneil Cruz and Konnor Griffin absent, Gary Morgan questions the current lineup construction and highlights the surging catching situation as Joey Bart returns and Henry Davis lags. Is keeping three catchers the unexpected roster boost the Pirates need?

Gary Morgan gives a granular “audio flip book” review of Bubba Chandler’s season, tracking his command issues, mechanical adjustments, and flashes of brilliance. He tackles tough listener questions about why certain players get extended patience—like Jared Triolo’s defensive value—even...

Nathan breaks down the finale of the weekend series between the Pirates and Marlins. Paul Skenes struck out 10 in today's loss. The Pirates offense went quiet on Sunday morning. The Bucs will head out West to face the Athletics and Rockies this week.

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Pittsburgh Pirates shake up their pitching staff after players demand a new voice—has the change unlocked their true potential? Gary Morgan scrutinizes the impact of Bill Murphy replacing Oscar Marin as pitching coach, examining whether star Paul Skenes and the rotation are finally reaching elite form or if the same old issues linger. The show raises critical questions about the disconnect between player demands, front office decisions, and actual performance on the mound.

Key topics include bullpen construction failures, the roles of Braxton Ashcraft, Gregory Soto, and Wilbur Dotel, and Don Kelly's management style under pressure. Ga...