Locked On Pirates - Daily Podcast On The Pittsburgh Pirates

Could Honus Wagner ride the bench for the Pittsburgh Pirates? Building the ultimate all-time Pirates lineup by franchise WAR leads to shocking results—legends like Ralph Kiner, Paul Waner, and Arky Vaughan don't crack the starting roster, outshined by icons such as Barry Bonds, Roberto Clemente, and Willie Stargell. The conversation focused on WAR-driven selections at every position, revealing surprising gaps and strengths across the infield and outfield.
A key theme that emerged was the Pirates’ legacy as “Outfield U,” featuring unmatched depth from Max Carey to Andrew McCutchen. The discussion explored how even stars with 3,000 hits or Hall of Fame careers would serve as backups on this superteam. Several points were raised, including the franchise’s historical drought at first base and why WAR isn’t a perfect metric, but an enlightening one. Are the Pirates’ outfielders the best in MLB history? The numbers make a compelling case.

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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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The Arizona Fall League is in the books, and today we're taking a closer look at what the Pirates learned from eight prospects who spent their fall in the desert. Wyatt Sanford and Bryan Mena gave the organization plenty to feel good about, while several others left Arizona with clear developmental goals heading into 2027.
Then, with the Pirates still searching for lineup balance, we examine a free agent market filled with right-handed bats, from star-level options like Seiya Suzuki and Randy Arozarena to more realistic fits such as Gleyber Torres and Taylor Ward. Finally, we break down the latest MLB labor proposals, including earlier free agency, the elimination of qualifying offers, roster rule changes, and what a salary cap fight could mean for the future of baseball.Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
KALSHI
For a limited time, Download Kalshi and use code Locked On to get $25 when you trade $25. Kalshi. Trade what’s next.
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 offseason as questions about payroll, roster construction, and Bob Nutting’s spending plans take center stage. Will the team finally break with tradition and become aggressive in the free agent market, or stick to a risk-averse strategy despite looming labor changes? Brandon Lowe’s future, potential qualifying offers, and the outlook for players like Nick Gonzales and David Bednar provide plenty of intrigue as the Pirates prepare for 2027 and beyond.
The conversation explores trade scenarios, possible third base upgrades, and the team’s approach to Rule 5 protections, with names like Ryan O’Hearn, Ian Happ, and Teruyuki Sato in the mix. Listeners get candid insights on payroll projections, the emerging roles of prospects like Murph Gray and Bubba Chandler, and even how “Yinzer” has evolved in Pittsburgh’s sports culture. Can the Pirates seize this moment to turn the corner, or will organizational caution win out again?

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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.

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.
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 critical offseason as the free agent market shifts. With Ed Hand’s exhaustive tracker from diamondcentric.net as the backdrop, the conversation uncovers surprising depth at second base, including Brandon Lowe’s potential reunion with the Pirates and fierce competition from contenders like the Yankees and Phillies. Is Pittsburgh’s qualifying offer enough to keep Lowe, or will teams with deeper pockets swoop in?
The discussion explores the lack of elite bats in this year’s free agent class, the market for arms like Tarik Skubal, and value picks such as Seiya Suzuki and Luis Arraez. Strategies for navigating a shallow third base pool, the rise of high-upside pitchers like Adrian Morejon, and the impact of looming MLB rule changes on spending set the stage for pivotal decisions. How aggressive should the Pirates be in their bid for contention—and who could emerge as their next diamond in the rough?
https://diamondcentric.net/mlb-top-free-agents-2026-2027/

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.

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.
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 shake up the offseason by extending a $23.15 million qualifying offer to slugger Brandon Lowe, signaling a new era of ambition at PNC Park. Does this bold move indicate the franchise is ready to shed its conservative reputation and make a sustained playoff push? The conversation unpacks what Lowe’s offer says about the Pirates’ future, possible contract scenarios, and the draft compensation at stake if he departs.
Analysis turns to the hot corner, with third base and infield free agent targets like Teruaki Sato, Eugenio Suarez, Alec Bohm, and JP Crawford explored. The discussion questions the long-standing narrative that “the Pirates will never do that,” highlighting recent big-money deals for Bryan Reynolds and Ke’Bryan Hayes, and surprising prospect promotions. Are the Pirates redefining what’s possible in Pittsburgh—and will the front office’s mindset shift finally pay off on the field?

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.

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.
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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