North Shore Nine: A Pittsburgh Pirates Podcast
Where Pittsburgh Pirates Fans Gather For Insight, Fun, & A Little Therapy #LetsGoBucs #Pirates #MLB
The Pirates MUST Fix This Before the Trade Deadline
Alex Stumpf breaks down why the Pirates' biggest need at the MLB Trade Deadline isn't another bat. With the offense producing and the rotation largely set, the biggest weakness remains a bullpen that has struggled to protect leads all season. Alex also discusses Braxton Ashcraft's rough outing, whether workload should become a concern, and why adding experienced relievers could make all the difference in a postseason race.
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Pirates Erase 4-Run Deficit, Then Watch It Slip Away
Tyler and Cody will be live following tonight’s game.
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The Pirates Finally Have the Depth to Contend
The Pittsburgh Pirates are firmly in the National League Wild Card race, and their improved depth might be the biggest reason why.
Jim and Ryan discuss how players like Billy Cook, Tyler Callihan, Endy Rodriguez, Jacob Gonzalez, Jake Mangum and Esmerlyn Valdez have stepped up throughout the season. Even with Oneil Cruz, Konnor Griffin, Spencer Horwitz and Brandon Lowe missing time, the Pirates continue to find different ways to win.
They also discuss the Pirates’ plans at the trade deadline, concerns about ownership limiting payroll, potential bullpen targets and the upcoming series against the New Yo...
Billy Cook Won the Pirates a Baseball Game
Billy Cook did a little bit of everything Sunday, collecting three hits, driving in a run, scoring twice, stealing a base and making a run-saving throw as the Pittsburgh Pirates took the series from the Cleveland Guardians.
Alex Stumpf breaks down Cook’s complete performance, how he has embraced one of baseball’s most difficult bench roles and why he might be the perfect role player for Don Kelly’s Pirates.
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Billy Cook LEGACY GAME Powers Pirates Past Guardians 7-1
Billy Cook delivered an unforgettable performance as the Pittsburgh Pirates defeated the Cleveland Guardians 7-1 to take the series. Cook collected three hits, drove in a run, stole a base and threw a runner out at home, while Paul Skenes allowed just one run with eight strikeouts across seven innings. Jim and Nate break down the surprising lineup production, outstanding defense, Esmerlyn Valdez’s latest home run and the Pirates heading to New York at 52-48.
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Pirates Bullpen Ruins Khristian Curtis' Dazzling Debut
Khristian Curtis delivered five scoreless innings in an outstanding MLB debut, but the Pirates bullpen completely wasted it. DiNardo and Nathan react to another brutal collapse against the Cleveland Guardians, the continued struggles of Dennis Santana and Gregory Soto, Don Kelly’s bullpen decisions and a defense that failed to help its pitchers.
0:00 Another bullpen collapse
4:20 A bullpen with no identity
9:10 Where was Wilber Dotel?
12:42 Khristian Curtis shines in his debut
17:16 Quiet offense and costly defense
20:05 Paul Skenes gets the series finale
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Jared Jones Dominates as Pirates Crush Guardians, 7-1
The Pittsburgh Pirates opened Saturday’s doubleheader with a convincing 7-1 victory over the Cleveland Guardians.
Jared Jones delivered another dominant performance, striking out nine over five innings while allowing just one run. Newly acquired infielder Jacob Gonzalez crushed a 428-foot, two-run homer, while Esmerlyn Valdez and Nick Gonzales also went deep.
Carmen Mlodzinski followed Jones with three scoreless innings as the Pirates extended their winning streak to four games and improved to 51-47.
Jim and Tyler break down the complete victory from Progressive Field.
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Levi Sterling Scouting Report | Pirates Prospect Breakdown
Levi Sterling remains one of the most intriguing young pitchers in the Pirates’ farm system.
Jim and Anthony Murphy break down the 19-year-old right-hander’s deep arsenal, improved results with Bradenton and the development that could determine his future. Can Sterling add the velocity needed to become a legitimate starting pitching prospect, or does his current profile point toward the back of a major-league rotation?
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The Pirates Need Paul Skenes to Be an Ace Again
The Pirates entered the season believing an average offense would be enough if their starting pitching carried the team. Instead, the offense has exceeded expectations while the rotation has been closer to average.
Alex Stumpf explains why Pittsburgh needs Paul Skenes to take control in the second half, pitch deeper into games and give the Pirates a true ace as they fight for a National League Wild Card spot.
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The Pirates Trade Rumors Are Getting OUT OF HAND
The Pirates haven’t played in four days, and Pittsburgh has apparently lost its mind.
Jim and Tyler react to the ridiculous ideas of trading Oneil Cruz or Spencer Horwitz for bullpen help before discussing what Ben Cherington should actually do at the deadline. Could the Pirates make a massive offer for Mason Miller? Is Luke Weaver the best realistic target? They also discuss Brooks Raley, Adrian Morejon, the need for another starting pitcher and the Robert Hassell III acquisition.
The Pirates are three games over .500 and firmly in the playoff race. Now it is ti...
Is Henry Davis Finally Becoming the Hitter the Pirates Drafted?
Henry Davis entered the season with plenty to prove, but his strong finish to the first half has created some legitimate optimism. Alex Stumpf examines Davis’ recent production, his noticeable mechanical changes and the swing that may show he is finally correcting one of the biggest holes in his game.
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Breaking Down Every Pirates Pick From the 2026 MLB Draft
The Pittsburgh Pirates completed the 2026 MLB Draft with 21 selections, led by LSU outfielder Derek Curiel at No. 5 overall. Baseball America’s Carlos Collazo said it might be his favorite draft of the year, but what made Pittsburgh’s class stand out?
Jim breaks down every selection, what each player does well, the biggest concern and what the Pirates appear to be betting on in development. The class began with contact, defense and strong offensive foundations in Curiel, Aiden Ruiz, Chris Rembert and Andruw Giles before shifting heavily toward pitching.
We also discuss Jason DeCaro, Tre Phel...
Dennis Santana Is Running Out of Time With the Pirates
Dennis Santana was arguably the Pirates’ best reliever in 2025. This season, his command has disappeared, his walk rate has nearly doubled and his roster spot could become vulnerable as the trade deadline approaches.
Alex Stumpf breaks down what has changed, whether a different pitch mix or mechanical adjustment could help and why rediscovering the old Dennis Santana would be nearly as valuable as adding another reliever through a trade.
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The Pirates Made All-Star Game History for the Wrong Reason
The Pirates are sending Paul Skenes and Braxton Ashcraft to the 2026 MLB All-Star Game, but neither pitcher will actually appear. Even worse, one of baseball’s highest-scoring offenses will not have a single position player representing it.
Alex Stumpf breaks down the historic snub, why Bryan Reynolds and Brandon Lowe deserved serious consideration and why MLB may need to expand All-Star rosters to better recognize deserving hitters.
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Pirates Sweep Brewers and Make a Wild Card Statement
The Pittsburgh Pirates are heading into the All Star break at 50-47, three games above .500 and only two games out of the final National League Wild Card spot after sweeping the first place Milwaukee Brewers.
Ryan and DiNardo break down a huge 4-2 stretch against the Braves and Brewers before reviewing the best, worst and most important developments from the first half of the season. They also look ahead to the second half, the upcoming series in Cleveland and what the Pirates’ position should mean ahead of the trade deadline.
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Did the Pirates Play It Too Safe in the 2026 MLB Draft?
Alex Stumpf reviews the Pittsburgh Pirates’ complete 2026 MLB Draft class and explains why it feels underwhelming compared to the previous three years. He evaluates Derek Curiel at No. 5, identifies Spencer Evans and Trey Phelps as two picks he likes, raises concerns about Aiden Ruiz and Jason DeCaro, and looks at the difficult signings that could ultimately determine the success of this class.
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Pittsburgh Pirates Crush Brewers to Complete 3-Game Sweep
The Pittsburgh Pirates closed out the weekend with a 14-5 win to complete a three-game sweep of the first-place Milwaukee Brewers. DiNardo and Doug break down Paul Skenes’ encouraging start, a ridiculous 10-run fourth inning and huge production from Henry Davis, Jared Triolo and Marcell Ozuna.
The Pirates now head into the All-Star break three games over .500 with an offense that continues to produce despite injuries to Konnor Griffin, Oneil Cruz and Spencer Horwitz.
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Valdez Delivers as Pirates Finish Doubleheader Sweep
Esmerlyn Valdez delivered again, launching a two-run homer that gave the Pirates an early lead in their 3-2 win over the Brewers. Tyler and Doug break down Bubba Chandler’s start, Brandon Eisert’s shaky debut, Yohan Ramirez’s continued scoreless run, and the bullpen’s nerve-racking effort to finish the victory. The Pirates swept the doubleheader, won the series, and guaranteed themselves a winning record entering the All-Star break.
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Merlyn Magic STRIKES! Pirates Beat Brewers 7-6
Cody and Nate breakdown the action from game one of saturday's doubleheader against the Brewers. Esmerlyn Valdez is the story today as he drove in 6 runs as well as his first career grand slam!
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Pirates 2026 MLB Draft Live: Pirates Select Derek Curiel 5th
The Pittsburgh Pirates selected LSU outfielder Derek Curiel with the fifth overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft, surprising the entire NS9 crew.
After setting the stage for Pittsburgh’s selection, we jump directly to the pick and provide our immediate reaction. We break down Curiel’s elite contact skills, ability to remain in center field, limited power and whether the Pirates passed on players with greater upside.
Anthony Murphy of Bucs On Deck also joins the show to evaluate Curiel, discuss how quickly he could move through the system and grade the selection.
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Duce Gourson Scouting Report | Pirates Prospect Breakdown
Duce Gourson may not have one standout tool, but the Pirates infield prospect continues to do everything necessary to help his team win. Jim and Anthony Murphy break down Gourson’s plate discipline, defensive versatility, smart baserunning and potential path to Pittsburgh.
Could the former ninth-round pick eventually become a valuable utility player for the Pirates?
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BREAKING: Pirates Trade No. 34 Pick in Surprise Deal With White Sox
The Pirates shocked everyone the night before the 2026 MLB Draft, trading the No. 34 overall pick and left-handed pitching prospect Jaden Woods to the Chicago White Sox for infielder Jacob Gonzalez and left-handed reliever Brandon Eisert.
On this emergency episode, we break down what Pittsburgh is getting, what it gave up, how Gonzalez fits into the infield, whether Eisert can help the bullpen and what losing the No. 34 pick means for the Pirates’ draft strategy. Did Ben Cherington make a smart aggressive move, or did the Pirates surrender too much value?
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Why Mitch Keller Can’t Get Left-Handed Hitters Out
Mitch Keller lasted just three innings against the Atlanta Braves as his season-long struggles against left-handed hitters continued. Alex Stumpf examines Keller’s extreme platoon splits, the mechanical issues potentially affecting his arsenal and why neither the cutter nor changeup has provided a reliable answer.
Can Keller make the necessary adjustments during the All-Star break, or has his decline become another major problem for the Pirates’ pitching staff?
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Is It Time to Panic, Pirates fans?
The Pirates have another major injury to deal with after Konnor Griffin is expected to miss about two months. Does that change Pittsburgh's trade deadline plans and force Ben Cherington to target a shortstop?
Plus, the bullpen continues to implode while Carmen Mlodzinski remains underutilized, and Mitch Keller turns in another rough outing. Is this just a slump, or has something fundamentally changed?
Jim, Tyler, and DiNardo break it all down on another episode of NS9LIVE!
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Pirates Pitching Implodes Again in 10-5 Loss to Braves
The Pittsburgh Pirates fell 10 to 5 to the Atlanta Braves, and Cody and Doug had plenty to say about it. Mitch Keller lasted just three innings, the bullpen once again failed to keep the game within reach, and the frustration around the pitching staff continues to grow.
On the positive side, Jake Mangum had a huge day at the plate, Bryan Reynolds and Esmerlyn Valdez went back to back, and the offense continued to show fight. But with the Pirates getting real production from the lineup, the question becomes even louder: how much longer can they afford to...
Do The Pirates Have To Trade For An Infielder Now?
Konnor Griffin’s injury has changed the conversation around the Pittsburgh Pirates trade deadline.
On today’s OffBeat, Alex Stumpf looks at why shutting Griffin down was the right decision, how thin the Pirates infield depth has become, and why Jared Triolo, Nick Gonzales and Tyler Callihan may not be enough to get this team through the rest of the season. The bullpen still needs help, but the Pirates may now have another real deadline need.
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Jared Jones Was Perfect. The Pirates Still Lost. Joey Bart?!
Jared Jones gave the Pirates six perfect innings against the Braves, but Pittsburgh still found a way to lose 3-0. Jim and Neil discuss Jones being pulled after 77 pitches, whether Don Kelly had any real choice, why the offense could not cash in against Grant Holmes, and how Joey Bart ended up delivering the revenge-game gut punch.
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Ryan O’Hearn Carries the Pirates After Konnor Griffin Injury
Ryan O’Hearn delivered one of the best single-game performances in Pittsburgh Pirates history, driving in a franchise-record 10 runs with three home runs in a massive win over the Braves.
Alex Stumpf breaks down why O’Hearn’s historic night mattered even more after the Pirates learned Konnor Griffin is headed to the injured list with a left ring finger injury. With Griffin out, Oneil Cruz and Spencer Horwitz still working back, and the Pirates trying to survive a brutal stretch before the All-Star break, this was exactly the kind of win they needed.
O’Hearn di...
Ryan O’Hearn Makes Pirates History As Pirates Crush Braves
Ryan O’Hearn delivered one of the greatest offensive games in Pittsburgh Pirates history, blasting three home runs, driving in 10 runs, and helping lead the Pirates to a 12-4 win over the Atlanta Braves.
DiNardo and Tyler break down O’Hearn’s absurd night, Paul Skenes finally getting run support, the Pirates winning three straight, how this offense keeps producing despite injuries, and why Carmen Mlodzinski’s usage in a blowout still raised questions.
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What If the Pirates Bullpen Help Isn’t Coming?
The Pirates have operated under one clear assumption: stay in the race, then fix the bullpen at the trade deadline. But what if the help they need is not actually out there?
On today’s OffBeat, Alex Stumpf looks at a crowded deadline market, the lack of obvious sellers, and why relievers like Aroldis Chapman, Garrett Whitlock, Luke Weaver, Félix Bautista, Jason Adam, A.J. Minter, Kirby Yates, Kyle Finnegan and others may either cost too much or simply not be realistic fits. The Pirates need external bullpen help if they want to make the postseason, but...
Pirates MLB Draft Preview with Jim Callis: Booth, Flora Or Lombard At No. 5?
MLB Pipeline’s Jim Callis joins North Shore Nine for our 2026 MLB Draft preview as the Pittsburgh Pirates get set to pick No. 5 overall.
Callis has correctly projected the Pirates’ first round pick three years in a row, but this year feels much less certain. We break down the likely top of the board, why Grady Emerson, Roch Cholowsky and Vahn Lackey may be gone, and what that means for the Pirates with names like Jackson Flora, Jacob Lombard, Eric Booth Jr. and Drew Burress still in play.
The guys also talk about the value of t...
Can the Pirates Survive This Brutal 3 Week Stretch?
The Pirates survived Washington, but now the real test begins.
On this episode of Bucco Brew, we look ahead at a brutal stretch against the Braves, Brewers, Guardians, Yankees, Cubs, and Diamondbacks while the Pirates are likely still without Oneil Cruz and Spencer Horwitz for at least part of it. What does surviving the next three weeks actually look like? Is .500 baseball enough?
We also dive into the weird All-Star conversation. Paul Skenes was named the Pirates’ lone All-Star, but Brandon Lowe, Bryan Reynolds, and Braxton Ashcraft all have strong cases. How does a team wi...
Brandon Lowe Is Having a Historic Pirates Season
Brandon Lowe was not named to the National League All-Star team, but his season with the Pittsburgh Pirates is becoming impossible to ignore.
On today’s OffBeat, Alex Stumpf breaks down Lowe’s 21 home runs, his chase of Neil Walker’s Pirates second base home run record, and why this could go down as one of the greatest seasons ever by a Pirates second baseman. Alex also looks at Bryan Reynolds’ All-Star case, the Pirates’ big series win over the Nationals, the wild card race, Oneil Cruz’s absence, Spencer Horowitz’s impact, and why Pittsburgh’s path to October...
Pirates Explode Late To Beat Nationals 11-5
The Pittsburgh Pirates beat the Washington Nationals 11 to 5 after turning a tight game into a late blowout. Konnor Griffin delivered the go ahead 2 run single in the 8th, Brandon Lowe followed with a massive 3 run homer, and Henry Davis added insurance in the 9th. Bryan Reynolds also went deep as the Pirates offense picked up Bubba Chandler and pulled away late in Washington.
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Pirates Beat Nationals 7-1 Behind Braxton Ashcraft
The Pittsburgh Pirates bounced back on the Fourth of July with a 7-1 win over the Washington Nationals, getting back to .500 behind another strong start from Braxton Ashcraft. DiNardo and Doug break down Ashcraft’s outing, Konnor Griffin stealing home, Brandon Lowe’s All-Star case, the offense finding different ways to score, the Yohan Ramirez experience, and what this win means as the Pirates try to finally push above .500.
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Easton Carmichael Scouting Report | Pirates Prospect Breakdown
Easton Carmichael has quickly emerged as one of the most complete catching prospects in the Pittsburgh Pirates system. Jim and Anthony Murphy break down the 2025 third-round pick’s advanced defense, quick release, contact-driven bat, athleticism, surprising speed and potential path to Double-A Altoona.
Carmichael is hitting .300/.349/.500 with a 110 wRC+ for Greensboro while throwing out 22 of 77 attempted base stealers and stealing 11 bases of his own. Is he now the best pure catching prospect in the organization?
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Mitch Keller Looks Cooked
The Pirates lost 9-5 to the Nationals, and somehow the offense was not the biggest issue. Mitch Keller was hit hard again, Isaac Mattson struggled out of the bullpen, and the pitching staff continues to look like a much bigger problem than anyone expected. DiNardo, Tyler break down Keller’s rough outing, the pressure on Bill Murphy, why the Pirates may need more than just bullpen help at the deadline, and why Esmerlyn Valdez continues to be one of the only bright spots right now.
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The Pirates Can’t Take Esmerlyn Valdez Out of the Lineup
Esmerlyn Valdez delivered the biggest swings in the Pirates’ series finale against the Phillies, but his recent production is becoming about more than one good game.
Alex Stumpf explains why Valdez has earned an extended opportunity as an everyday player, the improvements he is already showing at the plate and why the Pirates cannot justify giving Marcell Ozuna more at-bats right now. Could Valdez simply take hold of an outfield job and keep it for the rest of the season?
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The Paul Skenes Slump Is Getting Serious
Alex Stumpf joins NS9LIVE! to discuss Paul Skenes’ current struggles and his nine-start losing streak. What has happened to the velocity, splinker and breaking pitches that made Skenes nearly unhittable, and is fatigue beginning to become a legitimate concern?
The crew also breaks down the Pirates’ catching situation as Endy Rodriguez continues to hit his way into a larger role. Then, they close the show with Esmerlyn Valdez, who has quickly become one of the most exciting Pirates rookies in years while producing a 191 wRC+ through his first 64 plate appearances.
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Pirates Split Series in Philly Behind Esmerlyn Valdez's Magic Bat
The Pittsburgh Pirates beat the Philadelphia Phillies 6-1 to earn a series split, with Esmerlyn Valdez once again at the center of the offense. Cody and Neil break down Valdez’s three RBI and first career triple, Jared Jones’ encouraging four-inning start, Carmen Mlodzinski’s three scoreless innings and clean work from Gregory Soto and Mason Montgomery as the Pirates finally put together a complete win in Philadelphia.
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