Locked On Pirates - Daily Podcast On The Pittsburgh Pirates

Pittsburgh Pirates face a crossroads as Andrew McCutchen’s future remains unresolved—will the beloved outfielder get his legendary send-off or is an awkward ending inevitable? With GM Ben Cherington’s guarded statements at Pirates Fest sparking audible groans, the tension between honoring franchise icons and the realities of roster construction intensifies.

Gary Morgan spotlights McCutchen’s impassioned social media response to critics and explores how MLB’s collective bargaining agreement keeps front office talks vague and unsatisfying. Is the Pirates’ offseason strategy sacrificing fan sentiment for marginal gains? Key discussions center on McCutchen’s legacy, Don Kelly’s growin...

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Washington Nationals aggressively shop C.J. Abrams—should the Pittsburgh Pirates make a bold move for the dynamic shortstop? Gary Morgan breaks down Abrams’ All-Star credentials, trade rumors, and fit alongside top prospects like Connor Griffin, weighing whether Pittsburgh can afford...

MLB owners wage a high-stakes salary cap battle as record-breaking deals spark fierce debate: Will a real economic reset finally level the playing field for franchises like the Pittsburgh Pirates? Gary Morgan breaks down the forces driving MLB’s looming labor fight and examines why the current system fails most players and fans. Can capped payrolls—and true salary structures—unlock stability and parity across the league?

Key topics include the Dodgers’ payroll dominance, Tony Clark’s union stance, suppressed young player earnings, and the implications for stars like Paul Skenes and Connor Griffin. Gary Morgan explores how a sala...

Pittsburgh Pirates face a crossroads as Andrew McCutchen's future hangs in the balance. Should the front office prioritize veteran leadership and clubhouse stability over raw stats? Gary Morgan unpacks why letting McCutchen walk could be more than just a numbers game, challenging the perception of "pragmatic" roster moves.

The conversation heats up with an inside look at Mason Montgomery’s electric arsenal—can his triple-digit fastball revolutionize the Pirates’ bullpen? Plus, the Hall of Fame stirs debate as Carlos Beltran’s induction reopens questions about cheating, consistency, and baseball’s evolving legacy. Get candid insights on the Pirates’ r...

New York Mets shake up the market with Bo Bichette’s blockbuster signing, potentially creating an opening for the Pittsburgh Pirates to address key roster needs. Can the Pirates exploit Mets’ impatience and land young infield talent like Brett Baty or Mark Vientos to bolster their lineup for a serious playoff push?

Gary Morgan analyzes the fit and cost of Mets’ infielders, weighs the pros and cons of targeting players such as Ronnie Mauricio and Luisangel Acuña, and breaks down how Brandon Lowe and Ryan O’Hearn shape Pittsburgh’s lineup balance. Spotlight on Kyle Nicholas reveals the...

Kyle Tucker’s monster contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers sends shockwaves through MLB, raising urgent questions about spending gaps, competitive balance, and the very foundation of the league. Can small and mid-market teams like the Pittsburgh Pirates hope to keep pace, or is the reality of baseball’s economic divide simply too big to ignore? Gary Morgan pulls back the curtain on MLB’s financial disparities, the illusion of “trying,” and why it’s not just Pirates fans feeling the squeeze.

Spotlights shine on Spencer Horowitz as the Pirates’ pivotal first baseman, with predictions on his breakout poten...

Pittsburgh Pirates fans find themselves in a surprising position: too much talent and not enough roster spots. With Rafael Flores pushing for a big-league role, Henry Davis and Joey Bart already in place, and young prospects rising through the ranks, the Bucs face the enviable challenge of making tough choices. Is depth finally a true strength in the Steel City, and what does it mean for the team’s playoff ceiling?

Gary Morgan examines why Flores’ logjam signals a new era for the Pirates, breaks down the organization’s best international signing class in years, and explains how in...

Pittsburgh Pirates’ playoff hopes hinge on Bryan Reynolds’ resurgence—can lineup reinforcements unlock his All-Star form in 2026? Gary Morgan breaks down why Reynolds is primed for a bounce-back season, pointing to improved lineup protection with Ryan O’Hearn and Brandon Lowe, adjustments to MLB pitching strategies, and the end of his isolation as the lone power threat. Plus, hear the statistical trends that signal Reynolds’ best days aren’t behind him, from solid contact rates to defensive metrics.

Roster news heats up with Chase Shugart’s trade to the Phillies and the Pirates’ international signing coups, spotlighting prospects Wilton...

Pittsburgh Pirates face a pivotal offseason, but only Eugenio Suarez offers an immediate upgrade at third base. With Nolan Arenado off the market and options like Alec Bohm, Yoan Moncada, and Isak Paredes presenting more questions than solutions, the pressure mounts for the front office to land a true difference-maker. Should PNC Park tweak its dimensions to spark more right-handed power like Kansas City’s recent changes, or does geometry still favor pitching dominance?

Gary Morgan breaks down the hot corner carousel, dissecting potential trade and free-agent fits while examining the effects of ballpark adjustments on Pittsburgh’s po...

Braxton Ashcraft faces a pivotal season—can he finally secure his spot in the Pittsburgh Pirates rotation, or is a bullpen future inevitable? Gary Morgan unpacks Ashcraft’s battle with repeated injuries, career resurgence post-Tommy John surgery, and the high stakes for 2026 as the Pirates eye rotation stability. With prospects like Bubba Chandler and Hunter Barco waiting in the wings, the competition heats up: who will emerge as Pittsburgh’s breakout star on the mound?

Gary Morgan also tackles burning listener questions on roster moves, the impact of acquiring Joe Nixon Garcia, and the domino effect on outfie...

Tarik Skubal’s $32 million arbitration ask rocks the MLB landscape—could this bold move reset the standard for elite young pitchers like Paul Skenes? Gary Morgan breaks down how Skubal and agent Scott Boras are pushing the boundaries of salary comps, why Detroit’s counter offer signals a high-stakes standoff, and what this could mean for the future of team control and arbitration across baseball. How will the arbitration process evolve if these salary spikes become more common, and are the small-market Pittsburgh Pirates prepared to keep their homegrown stars?

Gary Morgan also explores Ben Cherrington’s checklis...

Join Gary Morgan on Locked On Pirates as we break down why the 2026 Pirates roster deserves more credit, the hype around Konnor Griffin, Paul Skenes’ Cy Young chances, trade ideas, and pitching philosophy changes under Bill Murphy. Plus, fun hypotheticals and fan Q&A!

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If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans.

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Pittsburgh Pirates face a critical arbitration deadline—could Oneil Cruz benefit from tough love in the boardroom? Gary Morgan explores whether arbitration’s cold hard facts might spark a turning point for the electrifying but inconsistent shortstop. The episode tackles arbitration strategy, roster decisions around Joey Bart, Dennis Santana, and Justin Lawrence, and what each player’s future could mean for the team’s trajectory.

NL Central over/under projections take center stage as Morgan sizes up the Brewers’ chances of repeating 97 wins, the Cubs’ rebuilt rotation featuring Edward Cabrera, and whether the Reds’ youthful core can finally grow t...

Pittsburgh Pirates face a critical decision: can they really gamble on youth in the rotation, or is an innings-eating veteran starter a must-have to stabilize the pitching staff? Gary Morgan breaks down why nearly 500 innings walked out the door this offseason, making another dependable arm non-negotiable. Projected leaps from Paul Skenes, Mitch Keller, and Bubba Chandler are promising, but unchecked optimism won’t plug the innings gap or provide the lefty balance needed for a grueling MLB season.

From Jose Quintana and Tyler Anderson as mid-rotation reinforcements to dream scenarios like Framber Valdez or Ranger Suarez, explore wh...

Pittsburgh Pirates weigh bold offseason moves as major free agents like Cody Bellinger, and Alex Bregman linger on the market. Can the Pirates defy expectations and compete for top talent, or will rivals like the Yankees swoop in first? Gary Morgan spotlights the team's approach to resource battles, discusses the shifting fit of new lefty bats Ryan O’Hearn and Brandon Lowe, and scrutinizes rumors surrounding Bellinger and Bichette.

AMA questions spark lively debate on Jose Quintana negotiations, the potential return of IKF as insurance at third base, and the crucial balance between power and contact hitting. Ga...

Pittsburgh Pirates pivot after missing out on Kazuma Okamoto—does their offseason plan still have a pulse? Gary Morgan explores why the failed Okamoto pursuit isn’t a death knell for the Bucs, breaking down how key additions like Brandon Lowe and Ryan O’Hearn shift the urgency and options at third base. With fans clamoring for a big splash, the focus turns to realistic trade and free agent targets, including potential fits like Eugenio Suarez, Alec Bohm, and Yan Moncada.

Are the Pirates ready to settle for Jared Triolo, or is another bold move on the horizo...

Pittsburgh Pirates face a pivotal season as Henry Davis, Oneil Cruz, and Byan Reynolds confront make-or-break years. Can Henry Davis transform his elite defense into offensive consistency after a tough rookie campaign, or will Rafael Flores challenge his spot? Oneil Cruz’s maturity and defensive growth spark hope, but is he ready to shed past struggles and cement his role? Bryan Reynolds, the club’s top bat, eyes a rebound after injury woes and frustrating at-bats last year.

Gary Morgan examines the high stakes for these core players, assesses the impact of lineup protection, and weighs future trad...

Andrew McCutchen’s Pittsburgh future hangs in the balance as Gary Morgan breaks down the latest updates on “Cutch Watch.” Are the Pittsburgh Pirates ready to bring their iconic leader back, or is a dramatic offseason twist looming? Unpack insider perspectives on McCutchen’s potential role, contract expectations, and the impact of new signings like Ryan O’Hearn on the Pirates’ lineup—even as the front office weighs its next big moves.

The episode tackles key questions on Pirates’ pitching depth after moving Johan Oviedo and Mike Burrows, explores trade possibilities involving top prospects, and analyzes rumors around Ketel Mar...

What’s it really like to coach phenoms like Termarr Johnson, and Konnor Griffin—baseball’s top prospect—on their rapid rise through the Pittsburgh Pirates system? Scott Seabol, Altoona Curve hitting coach and former MLB infielder, shares behind-the-scenes insights on coaching breakout bats, building elite hitting philosophies, and shaping future stars’ approaches to the game.

Gary Morgan and Scott Seabol break down Johnson’s advanced plate discipline, Esmerlyn Valdez’s eye-popping power, and the next-level athleticism of Griffin. Key topics include how MLB hitting philosophies trickle down through the Pirates’ minor league system, whether chase or whiff rates are...

Pittsburgh Pirates shake up the depth chart as spring training battles loom. Can a roster featuring Oneil Cruz, Bryan Reynolds, and Ryan O’Hearn finally deliver consistent offense? Gary Morgan breaks down the Pirates’ evolving lineup, highlighting surprise names like Spencer Horowitz, Nick Gonzalez, and prospect Esmerlin Valdez. Questions swirl around Jack Suwinski’s future and whether the team will land Japanese star Okamoto or pivot to alternatives like Austin Hays.

Key discussion points include the impact of new manager Don Kelly on Bob Nutting’s aggressive offseason, implications for roster flexibility, and how moves—like targeting right-hand...

Pittsburgh Pirates eye a true leap from “good enough” to real NL Central contenders—can a bold left-side upgrade spark playoff noise this season? Gary Morgan dissects the hot corner dilemma, analyzing options like Kazuma Okamoto’s power potential at third base, Yoan Moncada’s uncertain upside, and whether a value signing like Jose Quintana could anchor the rotation. Is GM Ben Cherington ready to make the budget stretch for a true difference-maker?

Key discussion highlights include the current state of third base and shortstop, internal competition from Jared Triolo, Nick Gonzalez, and Nick Yorke, plus how Okamoto’s...

Pittsburgh Pirates shake up the NL Central with aggressive offseason moves. Can Brandon Lau, Ryan O'Hearn, and Gregory Soto finally deliver division glory to Pittsburgh fans?\n\n[Gary Morgan] evaluates the evolving landscape in the NL Central, spotlighting the Pirates’ targeted signings and the quiet strategies of rivals like the Brewers, Cardinals, Cubs, and Reds. Key topics include the impact of the Pirates’ additions on lineup certainty and bullpen strength, St. Louis’s sluggish rebuild, Chicago’s loss of Kyle Tucker, and Milwaukee’s pitching lab experiments. Major questions surround whether Cincinnati squandered a chance to build on their wild...

Pittsburgh Pirates signal their intent for a playoff push with the blockbuster signing of Ryan O’Hearn to a two-year, $29 million deal. Is this the move that finally puts them in contention for 2026? Gary Morgan breaks down O’Hearn’s impactful bat, defensive versatility, and upward career trajectory, dissecting why the Pirates targeted a proven middle-of-the-order force to boost a lineup that struggled with power last season.

Key topics include how O’Hearn’s arrival affects Andrew McCutchen’s role, what this means for Spencer Horwitz at first base, and the broader implications for the Pirates’ roster, payroll, and w...

Pittsburgh Pirates reshape their future with the blockbuster additions of Brandon Lau, Mason Montgomery, Jake Mangum, and Password Garcia. Does Lowe’s arrival signal a new era for the Pirates’ lineup, or will lingering defensive concerns and injury history stall momentum? Intrigue surrounds Nick Gonzalez’s evolving role, with questions swirling about a potential trade or shift to the bench.

Gary Morgan breaks down lineup construction and positional battles, spotlighting the need for a true third-base upgrade and pondering impact moves like pursuing Kazuma Okamoto or Eugenio Suarez. Key topics include assessing bench depth, benching versus starring prospe...

Pittsburgh Pirates fans have a new reason to cheer as contact specialist Jake Mangum joins the squad, promising hustle, heart, and the kind of gritty play that could shake up the outfield. Can Mangum’s relentless approach and speed ignite a lineup hungry for more action on the bases and fewer strikeouts? Gary Morgan sits down with Mangum to discuss his jump from the Tampa Bay Rays in a headline-grabbing three-team trade, insider stories from the clubhouse, and how his style echoes Pirates fan favorite Adam Frazier.

Key topics include Mangum’s battle-tested journey from Mississippi State thro...

Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans.

Pittsburgh Pirates shake up the NL Central by landing two-time All-Star Brandon Lowe in a three-team blockbuster with the Rays and Astros. Can Lau’s power finally ignite the Pirates’ stagnant offense and elevate them into serious contention for 2026 and beyond? Gary Morgan breaks down the trade, highlighting Brandon Lowe’s 31-homer potential, Mason Montgomery’s electric left-handed...

Pittsburgh Pirates set their 2026 coaching staff, bringing fresh energy with Houston’s Bill Murphy and Seattle’s Chris Negrón. Will this blend of continuity and new perspectives ignite the roster—or are more moves needed before Opening Day? Gary Morgan breaks down the strengths and concerns behind each hire, plus examines the team’s approach to pitching philosophy, hitting development, and the implications of left-handed pitching at PNC Park.

Offseason uncertainty looms large as Gary Morgan answers fan questions on free agent targets like Eugenio Suárez, the ripple effect of the Bregman market, and the potential...

Pittsburgh Pirates face a franchise-defining offseason as Jim Bowden suggests fans "trade themselves" if the team fails to contend—is loyalty or risk-taking the answer? Gary Morgan weighs in on Bowden's controversial take, challenges the national media’s narrative, and explores what true baseball fandom means for suffering fans.

Munetaka Murakami’s posting deadline looms, bringing the chance for a blockbuster international signing. Can the Pirates outmaneuver the Red Sox, Padres, and Angels for the record-breaking slugger? Plus, Braxton Ashcraft’s rising trade value makes him the name rival teams request—should Pittsburgh keep him or cash in? Key to...

Pittsburgh Pirates face a frozen market, but could bold moves reshape their future? Can extensions for Paul Skenes, Konnor Griffin, and Bubba Chandler stabilize the team and signal real direction to fans and free agents? Gary Morgan explores how locking up core players could protect the next Pirates regime from a full rebuild and give the roster long-term credibility.

Creative trade ideas take center stage, including absorbing Nick Castellanos’ contract to unlock a real upgrade at third base with Alec Bohm. The episode breaks down the status of potential targets like Brandon Lowe, Brendan Donovan, and Ryan O...

Pittsburgh Pirates swing big but face an icy reception on the MLB market. Can breaking the ice with a bold signing truly change their reputation—or just make them look foolish? Gary Morgan examines the Pirates’ aggressive pursuits of Jorge Polanco, Adolis Garcia, and Kyle Schwarber, spotlighting the team’s willingness to outbid rivals and the risks of overpaying for players who may not move the needle.

Key talking points include the difference between smart and desperate spending, the challenge of escaping Pittsburgh’s reputation as MLB’s perennial patsy, and strategy for future roster upgrades. From no-trade c...

Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans.

Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub
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Pittsburgh Pirates and Cincinnati Reds fans are left frustrated as both teams come up empty in the Kyle Schwarber sweepstakes, raising questions about organizational ambition and offseason strategy. Gary Morgan and Jeff Carr break down the high-stakes pursuit of Schwarber, puzzling front office decisions, and the challenges facing NL Central rivals with limited budgets. Can either team finally make a bold move, or will fans endure yet another season of unfulfilled potential?

Key discussion points include missed opportunities with stars like Cody Bellinger and Eugenio Suárez, the critical importance of internal development for players like Cabrian H...

Pittsburgh Pirates weigh bold moves as the offseason heats up—will power additions like Teoscar Hernandez and Nick Castellanos ignite the lineup, or will financial caution hold the team back? Questions swirl around trade rumors, DH strategies, and deferred-contract math as roster priorities shift toward offensive firepower and bullpen stability.

Gary Morgan breaks down the complexities of adding veteran bats with declining on-base rates, the strategic fallout from bullpen upgrades—Gregory Soto replacing David Bednar—and fan expectations for a Wild Card push. Topics include role clarity for O’Neill Cruz, Byron Buxton’s tantalizing trade value, and jersey...

Could Brandon Lowe be the big bat that propels the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2026? Trade rumors heat up as Tampa Bay listens to offers, with the Pirates squarely in the mix. Gary Morgan explores potential trade packages—would Nick Gonzalez or top pitching prospects get the deal done, or would that be too steep a price for the control Lowe brings through 2027? With comparisons to the infamous Chris Archer deal looming, can Pittsburgh finally come out ahead in a blockbuster trade with the Rays?

Hot stove talk continues as Jorge Polanco’s contract buzz intensifies and the Pirates repo...

Pittsburgh Pirates shake up their bullpen by signing left-handed power arm Gregory Soto to a $7.75 million deal. Can the addition of Soto neutralize dangerous division rivals and set the stage for a stronger late-inning strategy? Gary Morgan unpacks Soto’s wipeout numbers against lefties, durability, and potential fit as a setup man or shared closer with Dennis Santana.

The conversation moves from missed opportunities with Kyle Schwarber to a bold shopping list of free agent targets like Cody Bellinger and Andrew Chafin, plus intriguing trade possibilities such as Ketel Marte and Adley Rutschman. Roster depth, strategic upgrades, an...

Pittsburgh Pirates face a critical offseason, battling skepticism as they attempt to shake their reputation and become serious contenders in MLB. Can a marquee signing finally transform the franchise’s narrative? Gary Morgan explores why spending big in Pittsburgh isn’t as simple as opening the checkbook, drawing parallels to Kyle Schwarber’s decision to return to Philadelphia and what it means for Pirates’ free agent strategy.

Key topics include the club’s struggles to land impact bats, the potential pivot to options like J.T. Realmuto and Ketel Marte, and how Don Kelly’s revamped coaching staff might...

Pittsburgh Pirates shake up their roster with a five-player trade, sending Johan Oviedo to the Boston Red Sox in exchange for top prospect “Password” Garcia and young pitching talent Jesus Travieso. Can Garcia fast-track his way to a major league debut and energize Pittsburgh’s lineup in 2025?

Gary Morgan and guest Ed Hand break down the implications of the blockbuster deal, spotlighting Garcia’s five-tool potential and the fit for Oviedo in Boston’s crowded pitching staff. The discussion covers the Pirates’ ongoing search for high-impact bats like Cody Bellinger and Kyle Schwarber, challenges in finding lefty pitching, an...

Pittsburgh Pirates’ window to contend may be now, but will ownership seize it—or squander Paul Skenes’ prime? Sully and Gary Morgan spotlight the ace’s Cy Young season, talk the urgency of adding legitimate bats, and weigh whether a long-awaited playoff run is possible before Skenes dons pinstripes or Dodgers blue. With key players like Bryan Reynolds and Oneil Cruz coming off down years and prospects like Bubba Chandler and Hunter Barco rising, the pressure’s on to surround Skenes with Major League talent. The hosts break down potential moves, including the need for power bats—think Kyle Schwarber or...

Pittsburgh Pirates shake up their roster, sending Johan Oviedo to the Boston Red Sox in a bold five-player swap that lands power-hitting outfielder Jhostynxon “the Password” Garcia. Could Garcia’s raw pop and versatility spark a new era for the Bucs’ outfield, or do his high strikeout rates raise more questions than answers?

Gary Morgan breaks down all sides of the blockbuster trade, examining Oviedo’s injury history and future upside in Boston’s rotation or bullpen. Key points include Garcia’s fit in Pittsburgh, implications for Mitch Keller’s trade status, and how the Pirates’ evolving pitching philosoph...

Pittsburgh Pirates gear up for a historic spending spree—could a payroll jump to $100 million finally change the club’s fate? With eyes on free agents like J.T. Realmuto and trade targets such as Anthony Santander, the team is carpet-bombing the market and aggressively seeking impact talent. Will Bob Nutting and Ben Cherington deliver a roster fans can believe in, or risk being left in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons?

Gary Morgan explores how league-wide pressure, a looming salary floor, and roster construction mistakes are forcing the Pirates to act. The episode analyzes Mitch Kell...