Locked On Pirates - Daily Podcast On The Pittsburgh Pirates

Pittsburgh Pirates face a pivotal offseason after a record-breaking 767-run, 186-home run campaign fails to deliver playoff baseball. Can moving on from Mitch Keller unlock the flexibility needed to address glaring roster weaknesses? Gary Morgan examines the tough choices confronting the Pirates as a young rotation core emerges and Keller’s contract looms over payroll decisions.
Key discussion points include the urgent need for a left-handed starter, persistent bullpen woes, defensive instability at third base, and the lack of right-handed power bats to combat left-handed pitching. Morgan questions whether Nick Gonzales and Spencer Horwitz fit into a winning mix, and highlights how injuries and shallow depth exposed Pittsburgh late in the season. With names like Paul Skenes and Konnor Griffin rising, are the Pirates ready to make bold moves to fix their flaws and push for postseason glory?

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Pittsburgh Pirates prospects could shake up the big-league roster sooner than expected. Wyatt Sanford’s breakout power, Johnny Severino’s 31 homers, and Easton Carmichael’s rapid ascent to Altoona headline an Arizona Fall League contingent loaded with upside and big questions. Are these breakout stats for real, and which young arms—like Zander Mueth and Christian Tortosa—will force their way into future bullpen roles?
Gary Morgan examines why each prospect was chosen for the Fall League, the strategic risks of Rule 5 exposure, and how the Pirates’ new amateur scouting director, Justin Newman, represents a shift toward analytics-driven talent acquisition. With MLB proposing radical postseason changes and the League Championship Series nearly set, the show unpacks playoff drama, future draft trends, and whether a shorter regular season could reshape the sport. Pirates fans won’t want to miss this deep dive into the team’s emerging talent pipeline and the evolving landscape of baseball.

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Gameday Mens Health
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Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.
FanDuel
This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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Low-payroll contenders ignite fresh debate: can a Cinderella World Series run truly upend MLB’s competitive balance narrative? Gary Morgan explores why a surprise October surge by underdogs like the Kansas City Royals doesn’t sway ownership’s push for systemic change, questioning if a single postseason outlier should redefine labor strategy for teams like the Pittsburgh Pirates, Cincinnati Reds, and Tampa Bay Rays.
As MLB clubs brace for a possible December lockout, Gary Morgan unpacks The Athletic’s report detailing league preparations—from wedding etiquette for team personnel to removing player images from websites. Hot topics include David Bednar’s qualifying offer prospects with the New York Yankees, arbitration contract quirks, and the high-stakes dance between owners and the MLBPA. With expansion, the evolving regional sports network landscape, and looming CBA battles, can the Pirates navigate baseball’s next era—or are fans headed for more "millionaires vs. billionaires" showdowns?

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Indeed
Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast.
Gameday Mens Health
Gameday Men’s Health is a real, in-person men’s health clinic that looks at the full picture before developing a treatment plan. Book your complimentary test and consult at
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KALSHI
For a limited time, Download Kalshi and use code Locked On to get $25 when you trade $25. Kalshi. Trade what’s next.

Odoo
Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.
Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.
FanDuel
This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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Pittsburgh Pirates fans face a new reality—sports fandom now means endless evaluation over pure devotion. Have analytics, fantasy leagues, and ring culture made it harder to simply enjoy baseball, or even love players like Andy Van Slyke, Barry Bonds, and Andrew McCutchen just for their on-field magic?
Gary Morgan dissects how the relationship between fans and the Pirates has shifted with free agency, the transfer portal, and the rise of transaction obsession. From reminiscing about childhood heroes to questioning whether every season without a World Series is a failure, the discussion highlights key Pirates icons, treasured memories, and what’s been lost as fandom turns into consultancy. Can Pirates fans reclaim the joy of the journey, not just the outcome?

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Indeed
Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast.
Gameday Mens Health
Gameday Men’s Health is a real, in-person men’s health clinic that looks at the full picture before developing a treatment plan. Book your complimentary test and consult at
https://join.gamedaymenshealth.com/reasons_to_choose_gameday-1201?utm_source=lockedon&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=MLB&utm_network=lockedon&utm_adgroup=corp&ghl_tag=national,corp
KALSHI
For a limited time, Download Kalshi and use code Locked On to get $25 when you trade $25. Kalshi. Trade what’s next.

Odoo
Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.
Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.
FanDuel
This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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Pittsburgh Pirates face a pivotal crossroads as trade rumors swirl around ace Paul Skenes—is dealing the team's crown jewel baseball malpractice or strategic asset management? Gary Morgan dissects why trading Skenes, under club control until 2029, would undermine everything the Pirates have worked to build, comparing his value to the likes of Andrew McCutchen and Garrett Cole. The conversation spotlights prospect risk, front office philosophy, and how Skenes delivers on-field relevance and national attention few Pirates have achieved in decades.
Key topics include analysis of Skenes' 2026 season, the evolving ABS challenge system and Henry Davis’ catcher skillset, and critical questions about Pittsburgh's offseason payroll flexibility. Gary Morgan also tackles whether Bob Nutting understands the link between spending and attendance, potential roster shakeups for Brandon Lau and Mitch Keller, and which Pittsburgh team—Pirates, Penguins, or Steelers—is closest to ending the city’s championship drought.

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
Indeed
Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast.
Gameday Mens Health
Gameday Men’s Health is a real, in-person men’s health clinic that looks at the full picture before developing a treatment plan. Book your complimentary test and consult at
https://join.gamedaymenshealth.com/reasons_to_choose_gameday-1201?utm_source=lockedon&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=MLB&utm_network=lockedon&utm_adgroup=corp&ghl_tag=national,corp
KALSHI
For a limited time, Download Kalshi and use code Locked On to get $25 when you trade $25. Kalshi. Trade what’s next.

Odoo
Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.
Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.
FanDuel
This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.