Locked On Pirates

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.Listener SurveyWe’ve put together a survey to learn more about our listeners and make your favorite podcasts even better. Go tohttps://lockedonpodcasts.com/survey/ to get started. Everyone who completes a survey will be entered for a chance to win one of ten $100 Amazon gift cards.  Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! 5-Hour ENERGYTee up that trip! Enter for a chance to win a dream golf trip for two to any golf tournament* in the USA. Visit 5HEWIN.com for full rules and entry. No purchase necessary. Excludes the Master’s tournament. Ends October 31, 2025. UpsideSimply download the free Upside app in the App Store or Google Play and

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.Listener SurveyWe’ve put together a survey to learn more about our listeners and make your favorite podcasts even better. Go tohttps://lockedonpodcasts.com/survey/ to get started. Everyone who completes a survey will be entered for a chance to win one of ten $100 Amazon gift cards.  Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! 5-Hour ENERGYTee up that trip! Enter for a chance to win a dream golf trip for two to any golf tournament* in the USA. Visit 5HEWIN.com for full rules and entry. No purchase necessary. Excludes the Master’s tournament. Ends October 31, 2025. UpsideSimply download th

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. Listener SurveyWe’ve put together a survey to learn more about our listeners and make your favorite podcasts even better. Go tohttps://lockedonpodcasts.com/survey/ to get started. Everyone who completes a survey will be entered for a chance to win one of ten $100 Amazon gift cards.  Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! 5-Hour ENERGYTee up that trip! Enter for a chance to win a dream golf trip for two to any golf tournament* in the USA. Visit 5HEWIN.com for full rules and entry. No purchase

MLB playoff races heat up as Kyle Schwarber's 4-homer game stuns the league. Is this the most impressive offensive performance of the season?Jeff Carr and the squad break down the latest developments in the American and National League playoff hunts. The hosts debate the difficulty of hitting for the cycle versus a 4-homer game, analyzing Schwarber's recent feat and its historical context. The conversation shifts to a heated MVP discussion, pitting Yankees slugger Aaron Judge against Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh.Tune in for expert analysis on playoff positioning, offensive explosions, and the factors that could decide this year's MVP race.Listener SurveyWe’ve put together a survey to learn more about our listeners and make your favorite podcasts even better. Go tohttps://lockedonpodcasts.com/survey/ to get started. Everyone who completes a survey will be entered for a chance to win one of ten $100 Amazon gift cards.  Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!5-Hour ENERGYTee up that trip! Enter for a chance to wi

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.Listener SurveyWe’ve put together a survey to learn more about our listeners and make your favorite podcasts even better. Go tohttps://lockedonpodcasts.com/survey/ to get started. Everyone who completes a survey will be entered for a chance to win one of ten $100 Amazon gift cards.  Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! 5-Hour ENERGYTee up that trip! Enter for a chance to win a dream golf trip for two to any golf tournament* in the USA. Visit 5HEWIN.com for full rules and entry. No purchase necessary. Exclud

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.Listener SurveyWe’ve put together a survey to learn more about our listeners and make your favorite podcasts even better. Go tohttps://lockedonpodcasts.com/survey/ to get started. Everyone who completes a survey will be entered for a chance to win one of ten $100 Amazon gift cards.  Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! 5-Hour ENERGYTee up that trip! Enter for a chance to win

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.We’ve put together a survey to learn more about our listeners and make your favorite podcasts even better. Go tohttps://lockedonpodcasts.com/survey/ to get started. Everyone who completes a survey will be entered for a chance to win one of ten $100 Amazon gift cards.  Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! 5-Hour ENERGYTee up that trip! Enter for a chance to win a dream golf trip for two to any golf tournament* in the USA. Visit 5HEWIN.com for full rules and entry. No purchase necessary. Excludes the Master’s tournament. En

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.Listener SurveyWe’ve put together a survey to learn more about our listeners and make your favorite podcasts even better. Go tohttps://lockedonpodcasts.com/survey/ to get started. Everyone who completes a survey will be entered for a chance to win one of ten $100 Amazon gift cards.  Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! 5-Hour ENERGYTee up that trip! Enter for a chance to win a dream golf trip for two to any golf tournament* in the USA. Visit 5HEWIN.com for full rules and entry. No purchase necessary. Excludes the Master’s tournament. Ends October 31, 2025. UpsideSimply

This week, our panel of experts from across the Locked On MLB network tackles the big news that Rob Manfred teased, big changes could be coming to baseball. More teams, realignment of the divisions and maybe even more? Is this good or bad news for the future of the game? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!5-Hour ENERGYTee up that trip! Enter for a chance to win a dream golf trip for two to any golf tournament* in the USA. Visit 5HEWIN.com for full rules and entry. No purchase necessary. Excludes the Master’s tournament. Ends October 31, 2025.PrizePicksDownload the PrizePicks app today and use code LOCKEDONMLB to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup.PrizePicks — Run Your Game.Click Link Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONMLBMonarch MoneyTake control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONMLB at monarchmoney.com/lockedonmlb for 50% off your first year.GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONMLB for $20 off your first purchase.

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.Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!5-Hour ENERGYTee up that trip! Enter for a chance to win a dream golf trip for two to any golf tournament* in the USA. Visit 5HEWIN.com for full rules and entry. No purchase necessary. Excludes the Master’s tournament. Ends October 31, 2025. PrizePicksDownload the PrizePicks app today and use code LOCKEDONMLB to get $

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.Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!5-Hour ENERGYTee up that trip! Enter for a chance to win a dream golf trip for two to any golf tournament* in the USA. Visit 5HEWIN.com for full rules and entry. No purchase necessary. Excludes the Master’s tournament. Ends October 31, 2025. PrizePicksDownload the PrizePicks app today and use code LOCKEDONMLB to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup.PrizePicks — Run Your Game.Click Link Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONMLBMonarch MoneyTake control of your finances with Mo

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.Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!5-Hour ENERGYTee up that trip! Enter for a chance to win a dream golf trip for two to any golf tournament* in the USA. Visit 5HEWIN.com for full rules and entry. No purchase necessary. Excludes the Master’s tournament. Ends October 31, 2025. PrizePicksDownload the PrizePicks app today and use code LOCKEDONMLB to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup.PrizePicks — Run Your Game.Click Link Here: https://pri

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!Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!5-Hour ENERGYTee up that trip! Enter for a chance to win a dream golf trip for two to any golf tournament* in the USA. Visit 5HEWIN.com for full rules and entry. No purchase necessary. Excludes the Master’s tournament. Ends October 31, 2025. PrizePicksDownload the PrizePicks app today and use code LOCKEDONMLB to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup.PrizePicks — Run Your Game.Click Link Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONMLBMonar

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! Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!5-Hour ENERGYTee up that trip! Enter for a chance to win a dream golf trip for two to any golf tournament* in the USA. Visit 5HEWIN.com for full rules and entry. No purchase necessary. Excludes the Master’s tournament. Ends October 31, 2025. PrizePicksDownload the PrizePicks app today and use code LOCKEDONMLB to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup.PrizePicks — Run Your Game.Click Link Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONMLBMonarch MoneyTake control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use

Big market MLB teams are struggling. Are the Mets, Yankees, and Dodgers facing a crisis?Jeff Carr and the Locked On MLB Squad analyze the unexpected challenges for baseball's powerhouses. From the New York Mets' shocking collapse to the Los Angeles Dodgers' luxury tax manipulation, the hosts dissect recent performances and financial strategies. The Chicago Cubs' small-market approach comes under fire, while playoff predictions spark heated debate. Sully argues the current MLB economic structure pits "28 teams against the Mets and the Dodgers," potentially leading to future labor disputes. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!5-Hour ENERGYTime to fuel up and turn it up with 5-hour ENERGY®️ Transfusion! Go to https://5hourenergy.com today and use my promo code LOCKEDONGOLF to receive 20% off your order. This offer is only valid until September 30th on one order and cannot be used with other promotions. The code is not good on subscription orders.  Supply HouseJoin the TradeMaster program today at SupplyHouse.c

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!Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!5-Hour ENERGYTime to fuel up and turn it up with 5-hour ENERGY®️ Transfusion! Go to https://5hourenergy.com today and use my promo code LOCKEDONGOLF to receive 20% off your order. This offer is only valid until September 30th on one order and cannot be used with other promotions. The code is not good on subscription orders.  OpenPhoneStreamline and scale your customer communications with OpenPhone. Get 20% off your first 6 months at www.openphone.com/lockedonmlb Gameday HueLet your colors talk—because colors speak louder than words. Right now, you can get 15% off with code MLB15 at GamedayHue.com. Monarch MoneyTake control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONMLB at monarchmoney.com/lockedonmlb for 50% off your first year.GametimeDownload the

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 successSupport Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!5-Hour ENERGYTee up that trip! Enter for a chance to win a dream golf trip for two to any golf tournament* in the USA. Visit 5HEWIN.com for full rules and entry. No purchase necessary. Excludes the Master’s tournament. Ends October 31, 2025.OpenPhoneStreamline and scale your customer communications with OpenPhone. Get 20% off your first 6 months at www.openphone.com/lockedonmlb Gameday HueLet your colors talk—because colors speak louder than words. Right now, you can get 15% off with code MLB15 at GamedayHue.com. Monarch MoneyTake control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONMLB at monarchmoney.com/lockedonmlb for 50% off your first year.GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONMLB for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.F

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.Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!5-Hour ENERGYTee up that trip! Enter for a chance to win a dream golf trip for two to any golf tournament* in the USA. Visit 5HEWIN.com for full rules and entry. No purchase necessary. Excludes the Master’s tournament. Ends October 31, 2025.OpenPhoneStreamline and scale your customer communications with OpenPhone. Get 20% off your first 6 months at www.openphone.com/lockedonmlb Gameday HueLet your colors talk—because colors speak louder than words. Right now, you can get 15% off with code MLB15 at GamedayHue.com. Monarch MoneyTake control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONMLB at monarchmoney.com/lockedonmlb for 50% off your first year.GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONMLB for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime

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.Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!5-Hour ENERGYTee up that trip! Enter for a chance to win a dream golf trip for two to any golf tournament* in the USA. Visit 5HEWIN.com for full rules and entry. No purchase necessary. Excludes the Master’s tournament. Ends October 31, 2025.OpenPhoneStreamline and scale your customer communications with OpenPhone. Get 20% off your first 6 months at www.openphone.com/lockedonmlb Gameday HueLet your colors talk—because colors speak louder than words. Right now, you can get 15% off with code MLB15 at GamedayHue.com. Monarch MoneyTake control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONMLB at monarchmoney.com/lockedonmlb for 50% off your first year.GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONMLB for $20 off your first purchase. Terms

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? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!5-Hour ENERGYTee up that trip! Enter for a chance to win a dream golf trip for two to any golf tournament* in the USA. Visit 5HEWIN.com for full rules and entry. No purchase necessary. Excludes the Master’s tournament. Ends October 31, 2025.OpenPhoneStreamline and scale your customer communications with OpenPhone. Get 20% off your first 6 months at www.openphone.com/lockedonmlb Gameday HueLet your colors talk—because colors speak louder than words. Right now, you can get 15% off with code MLB15 at GamedayHue.com. Monarch MoneyTake control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONMLB at monarchmoney.com/lockedonmlb for 50% off yo