Locked On Pirates - Daily Podcast On The Pittsburgh Pirates

Pittsburgh Pirates ignite spring training with a pitching arsenal that promises uncomfortable at-bats for hitters. Paul Skenes headlines the rotation, but with Mitch Keller, Bubba Chandler, and Braxton Ashcraft vying for key roles, the battle for rotation spots is fierce. Will reclamation projects like Jose Urquidy or surprise lefty Hunter Barko seize a coveted spot, and can Jared Jones recapture his elite velocity?
Gary Morgan assesses bullpen depth, highlighting Dennis Santana’s wicked slider, Gregory Soto’s flexibility, and the impact of new faces on the 40-man roster. The episode spotlights the Pirates’ “weapons”—from Skenes’ mythical “splinker” to Chandler’s devastating changeup and Mattson’s vertical carry. With roster competition at its highest, rumors of another starter loom large. Are the Pirates on the cusp of a pitching revolution, or will patience and strategic moves be the keys to sustained success?
 
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Can Jared Triolo’s underrated defensive value anchor the Pittsburgh Pirates’ infield, or does the team still need a major upgrade? Gary Morgan fields burning fan questions on roster construction, free agency targets like Andrew McCutchen and Jose Quintana, and weighs in on bold moves involving Ryan O’Hearn versus Eugenio Suarez for long-term impact. The conversation also tackles intriguing off-season developments—will Henry Davis’s work with Driveline unlock his power potential, and could prospect Connor Griffin make an unprecedented leap to the big leagues?
Gary addresses the ripple effects of Pittsburgh media turmoil, the implications of Tommy Pham’s claim about a broken humidor at PNC Park, and the legacy stakes if McCutchen leaves the team. Lively hypotheticals put Pirates players in the center of a potential 2026 brawl, while honest insights question if the Pirates can surpass the Steelers and Penguins as Pittsburgh’s best. Tune in for candid answers and big-picture analysis on the Bucs’ future.
 
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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. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

 
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For a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life. 
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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
 
FanDuel
If you’re a new customer, bet just $5 and get $200 in Bonus Bets if you win. Make it count — because after the Super Bowl, the season is over. Last call for football on FanDuel, an Official Sportsbook Partner of Super Bowl Sixty. 
 
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 are buzzing over trade rumors—did the Framber Valdez saga ever have real merit, or was it all market smoke and mirrors? Gary Morgan exposes the truth behind the biggest offseason whispers, questioning the logic of hot takes and how social media twists speculation into “done deals.” With the Pirates’ infield alignment debated daily, which upgrades are fantasy, and which moves actually make sense?
Gary Morgan breaks down the Pirates’ infield puzzle, spotlighting Spencer Horowitz, Brandon Lowe, and Ryan O’Hearn’s roles. He explains why the team’s current flexibility on the right side could be a sneaky strength, and why the No. 1 farm system ranking is only a fleeting milestone, not a verdict on the rebuild. Can the Pirates’ mix of homegrown talent and strategic acquisitions translate into a .500 season—and should fans buy into the prospect pipeline hype, or brace for another rollercoaster year?
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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For a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life. 
Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today. 
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
 
FanDuel
If you’re a new customer, bet just $5 and get $200 in Bonus Bets if you win. Make it count — because after the Super Bowl, the season is over. Last call for football on FanDuel, an Official Sportsbook Partner of Super Bowl Sixty. 
 
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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Isaac Paredes emerges as a practical, controllable trade target for the Pittsburgh Pirates—could he be the right-handed bat that fortifies third base? Gary Morgan examines Paredes’ All-Star credentials, positional flexibility, and challenges of fitting his extreme pull power profile at PNC Park. The episode weighs Houston Astros’ crowded infield as a catalyst for a potential move and assesses what acquiring Paredes would cost, comparing his value against current Pirates options like Jared Triolo.
Roster competition heats up as Gary Morgan breaks down misconceptions about Jack Suwinski’s 40-man status, warning fans not to conflate it with a guaranteed spot over Andrew McCutchen. The arrival of six new non-roster invitees—including Mitch Jebb and Nick Cimillo—adds intrigue to the Pirates’ spring training puzzle. Can anyone disrupt the expected lineup? Get sharp insight on Pirates camp battles, trade scenarios, and the organization’s strategic outlook as Opening Day nears.
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

 
Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
Turbo Tax
For a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life. 
Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today. 
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
 
FanDuel
If you’re a new customer, bet just $5 and get $200 in Bonus Bets if you win. Make it count — because after the Super Bowl, the season is over. Last call for football on FanDuel, an Official Sportsbook Partner of Super Bowl Sixty. 
 
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 pivot strategy as free agency options dwindle—can a renewed focus on pitching carry them into contention? Gary Morgan explores the fallout from missing out on top targets for third base, weighing the merits of strengthening the starting rotation with names like Zac Gallen or Justin Verlander. The conversation spotlights Mitch Keller’s critical 2026 role and the implications of relying on defense and run prevention with Jared Triolo as a probable starter.
As MLB takes over more local TV rights, the episode uncovers how shifting broadcast economics could reshape small market teams like the Pirates, impact spending power, and stoke tension ahead of the next CBA. Key insights include the Cardinals' changing fortunes, the Brewers' survival tactics, and what TV deals mean for competitive balance. Can Ben Cherrington’s front office adapt, or will the Pirates be forced into bold changes before Opening Day?
 
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

 
Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
Turbo Tax
For a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life. 
Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today. 
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
 
FanDuel
If you’re a new customer, bet just $5 and get $200 in Bonus Bets if you win. Make it count — because after the Super Bowl, the season is over. Last call for football on FanDuel, an Official Sportsbook Partner of Super Bowl Sixty. 
 
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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