Locked On Pirates - Daily Podcast On The Pittsburgh Pirates

Pittsburgh Pirates face a crucial crossroads as the MLB trade deadline looms, but is roster continuity enough to spark a playoff push? Gary Morgan spotlights the team’s youth-heavy starting rotation—featuring Paul Skenes, Jared Jones, Bubba Chandler, and Braxton Ashcraft—and questions if Mitch Keller can rebound or if it’s time for a bullpen role. With the bullpen faltering and a lopsided lineup lacking right-handed thump, the Pirates’ path to October grows murkier.

Key discussion points include Oneil Cruz’s upcoming return, Carmen Mlodzinski’s evolving bullpen role, and the front office’s reluctance to invest mid-season. Gary Morgan challenges whether removing developmental restrictions and adding veteran leadership could unlock untapped potential. As the core of players like Brian Reynolds, Henry Davis, and Esmerlyn Valdez is likely returning for 2027, can incremental growth—and some urgent fixes—change the narrative for the Pittsburgh Pirates in a competitive NL Central?

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Mitch Keller got just six outs in this one as he was hit hard for seven runs allowed on six hits and four walks in a 10-2 loss in Cincinnati. The bats, on the other hand, couldn’t touch Reds starter Chase Burns as he carved up the Bucs for just one run allowed on two hits in six innings and he struck out nine. Pirates managed just four hits in this loss to drop back under .500 with a 1-3 roadtrip so far.

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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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Amazon

This Back To School Season, spend less on your kids, with Amazon. With Amazon’s low Back To School Prices, just spend less on your kids. Because every dollar you don’t spend on them, is a dollar you haven’t spent on them. 

Stance

Check out the ICON collection from Stance—premium comfort, performance, and durability designed for whatever your day brings. 

Use promo Code LOCKEDON at checkout for 20% off your purchase.  Learn more at https://Stance.com.

Stance. The Official Sock Partner of Major League Baseball.

Clutch Parlays

Go to https://ClutchParlays.com today and use code LOCKEDON for your first month free on a monthly plan. Pick Smarter. Parlay Sharper. 

 

KALSHI

For a limited time, Download the Kalshi app and use code [LOCKEDON] to get up to $500 in bonus credits when you trade $25.

 

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

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COMto play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season. 

 

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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Nathan breaks down game three of the series between the Pirates and Reds. Braxton Ashcraft was solid in a bounce back performance where he went 5 innings and allowed 1 run. Carmen Mlodzinski would follow with 3 shutout innings of relief after the 1 hour and 46-minute rain delay. The Pirates offense was able to get to Andrew Abbott with a 3-run 3rd inning. The Pirates will look to split the series with Mitch Keller on the mound going against Reds young star Chase Burns.

 

For a limited time, Download the Kalshi app and use code [LOCKEDON] to get up to $500 in bonus credits when you trade $25.

 

This Back To School Season, spend less on your kids, with Amazon. With Amazon’s low Back To School Prices, just spend less on your kids. Because every dollar you don’t spend on them, is a dollar you haven’t spent on them. 

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Nathan and Ryan break down game two of the series between the Pirates and Reds in another loss. Paul Skenes did not look like his CY Young self-tonight in a no decision effort on the mound. The offense tried to comeback but the bullpen had their 20th blown save. Ryan O'Hearn gets injured in the 9th and it does not look good.

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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Amazon

This Back To School Season, spend less on your kids, with Amazon. With Amazon’s low Back To School Prices, just spend less on your kids. Because every dollar you don’t spend on them, is a dollar you haven’t spent on them. 

Stance

Check out the ICON collection from Stance—premium comfort, performance, and durability designed for whatever your day brings. 

Use promo Code LOCKEDON at checkout for 20% off your purchase.  Learn more at https://Stance.com.

Stance. The Official Sock Partner of Major League Baseball.

Indeed

Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at https://Indeed.com/podcast

 

KALSHI

For a limited time, Download the Kalshi app and use code [LOCKEDON] to get up to $500 in bonus credits when you trade $25.

 

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

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COMto play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season. 

 

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 enter the MLB trade deadline as buyers for the first time in years, with playoff hopes driving a bold new approach. Can a deal for Luke Weaver or Robbie Ray transform the pitching staff, or will prospect cost force Ben Cherrington’s hand? Gary Morgan weighs the pros and cons of parting with rising talents like Sammy Stafura and Murph Gray as the Pirates target crucial bullpen reinforcements.

Key discussions center on Nick Gonzales' defensive struggles versus his offensive necessity, the outlook on Oneil Cruz’s role, and how adding proven arms like Jeff Hoffman could reshape late-inning matchups. Gary Morgan predicts landing spots for major trade chips—think Tarik Skubal to the Dodgers, Luis Arraez to the Rays, and the ripple effects across the league. With the NL Wild Card race tightening and the CBA looming, every move could tip the balance for October.

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!

 

Amazon

This Back To School Season, spend less on your kids, with Amazon. With Amazon’s low Back To School Prices, just spend less on your kids. Because every dollar you don’t spend on them, is a dollar you haven’t spent on them. 

Stance

Check out the ICON collection from Stance—premium comfort, performance, and durability designed for whatever your day brings. 

Use promo Code LOCKEDON at checkout for 20% off your purchase.  Learn more at https://Stance.com.

Stance. The Official Sock Partner of Major League Baseball.

Indeed

Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at https://Indeed.com/podcast

 

KALSHI

For a limited time, Download the Kalshi app and use code [LOCKEDON] to get up to $500 in bonus credits when you trade $25.

 

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

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COMto play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season. 

 

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.