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 growing influence in shaping the lineup, ownership’s playoff-or-bust mentality, and the shifting vibes at Pirates Fest. Tune in for insider perspective on the only good ending for a Pittsburgh sports legend and whether the Pirates can balance winning with loyalty as the season looms.
 
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. 
Rocket Money
Let Rocket Money help you reach your financial goals faster. Join at http://RocketMoney.com/LOCKEDON
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)

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

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

 
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 the steep cost for a proven bat and glove on the left side. With the Pirates’ infield needs in focus, every roster decision could shape the direction of the franchise.
The episode also spotlights Nick Gonzalez’s uncertain future after the Brandon Lau acquisition, questioning if limited opportunities will stall his development. Plus, Gary Morgan previews Pirates Fest, offering fans a sneak peek at interactive events and roster appearances. Can the Pirates capitalize on trade season and secure the missing piece for playoff contention? Dive into all the latest insights, strategy, and fan engagement as spring training approaches.
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. 
FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. FanDuel is officially in Playoff Mode. Every game day during the NFL playoffs, FanDuel is giving customers even more ways to get in on the action. Visit 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.

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 salary cap and floor could reshape free agency, arbitration, and roster building, challenging tradition and market-driven advantages. Don’t miss this compelling, fair-minded look at the future of Pirates baseball and the sport’s potential for transformative change.
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. 
FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. FanDuel is officially in Playoff Mode. Every game day during the NFL playoffs, FanDuel is giving customers even more ways to get in on the action. Visit 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.

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’ roster versatility, power lefties, and whether Cooperstown is preserving history or rewriting it. Will legend or logic prevail in Pittsburgh’s next chapter?
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. 
FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. FanDuel is officially in Playoff Mode. Every game day during the NFL playoffs, FanDuel is giving customers even more ways to get in on the action. Visit 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.

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 Pirates’ search for bullpen reliability, while fan questions spark discussion about Ben Cherington’s behind-the-scenes strategies and the credibility issues affecting veteran free agent pursuits like Eugenio Suárez. With trade rumors swirling and a thin pitching staff, will the Pirates capitalize or fall short in their quest for postseason relevance?
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.
FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Every Friday night, before the games tip off, FanDuel gives fans a new way to kick off the weekend with NBA Happy Hour. Check the FanDuel app and see what’s dropping during NBA Happy Hour — every Friday from 6 to 7:30 PM Eastern. FanDuel — the Official Sportsbook Partner of the NBA.
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.