Locked On Pirates - Daily Podcast On The Pittsburgh Pirates

QUESTION: Can Pittsburgh Pirates BALANCE Analytics and Experience

Pittsburgh Pirates face mounting questions as advanced analytics reshape their on-field approach. Can the balance between data-driven strategy and player adaptability fuel a playoff push, or will overreliance on historical trends hold them back? Insights into Braxton Ashcraft’s elite slider and Isaac Matson’s pitch sequencing highlight the high-stakes chess match between theory and real-time adjustments. Gary Morgan examines the impact of run value metrics, debates the true meaning of strength of schedule, and explores the Pirates’ recent favorable matchups—like their 6-1 record against the Brewers. With trade deadline drama approaching and key series looming against the Cleveland Guardians, New York Yankees, Chicago Cubs, and Arizona Diamondbacks, every game becomes a proving ground. Plus, listener questions spark candid takes on roster construction, the legacy of GM Ben Cherrington, and the ever-polarizing Pirates announcers.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.    Nutrafol Find out why Nutrafol is the only hair growth supplement brand trusted by MLB. For a limited time, Nutrafol is offering our listeners $10 off your first month’s subscription and free shipping when you visit https://Nutrafol.com and enter promo code LOCKEDONMLB. 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 ten dollars when you trade ten. Kalshi. Trade on anything. 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. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started now.   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.

CONTROVERSY: Should the Pittsburgh Pirates CONSIDER Trading Oneil Cruz?

Pittsburgh Pirates face a pivotal MLB trade deadline with Oneil Cruz at the center of swirling speculation—should the team consider moving their electrifying star for much-needed pitching? Gary Morgan breaks down the unpredictable buyer-seller landscape, spotlighting contenders like the New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, Milwaukee Brewers, and surprises in both leagues. With the Pirates’ rising offensive firepower courtesy of names like Ryan O’Hearn, Brandon Lowe, and Esmerlyn Valdez, Morgan asks: Is it time to cash in a unique asset to address glaring pitching gaps? Key topics include Mitch Keller’s trade value, front office strategy in a crowded NL field, and why Pirates fans shouldn’t rule out bold, unconventional moves. Plus, relive the ten most outrageous moments in Pirates history—from Doc Ellis’ LSD no-hitter to the infamous Will Craig–Javier Báez “disaster play.” Don’t miss this sharp, thought-provoking look as the Pirates consider charting a new course at the deadline.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.    Nutrafol Find out why Nutrafol is the only hair growth supplement brand trusted by MLB. For a limited time, Nutrafol is offering our listeners $10 off your first month’s subscription and free shipping when you visit https://Nutrafol.com and enter promo code LOCKEDONMLB. 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 ten dollars when you trade ten. Kalshi. Trade on anything. 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. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started now.   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.

Did Gary Morgan’s 2026 Pirates Prediction ACCURATELY Foresee This SEASON?

Pittsburgh Pirates’ playoff hopes hang in the balance as preseason predictions face the ultimate test. Will Paul Skenes, Braxton Ashcraft, and Oneil Cruz’s All-Star caliber performances carry the team to 85 wins, or will unexpected injuries and slumps derail the season? Gary Morgan revisits his bold forecasts for team MVP, breakout players, and rookie standouts—owning both the hits and misses as the Pirates chase a wild card spot. Gary Morgan breaks down Pittsburgh’s evolving player-centric philosophy, spotlighting the controversy around Carmen Mlodzinski’s role and the impact of front office decisions on roster stability. Key topics include Mitch Keller’s lefty struggles, Esmerlyn Valdez’s electric rookie campaign, and looming trade deadline questions around Brandon Lowe and Marcell Ozuna. As the Pirates navigate tough lineup choices and potential contract extensions, can they defy the odds—or will financial realities and internal conflicts shape their fate?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.    Nutrafol Find out why Nutrafol is the only hair growth supplement brand trusted by MLB. For a limited time, Nutrafol is offering our listeners $10 off your first month’s subscription and free shipping when you visit https://Nutrafol.com and enter promo code LOCKEDONMLB. 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 ten dollars when you trade ten. Kalshi. Trade on anything. 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. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started now.   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.

SWEEPING: Pittsburgh Pirates and Esmerlyn Valdez OUTSLUG Brewers, Offense ASCENDS

Pittsburgh Pirates surge into playoff contention with a thrilling sweep of the division-leading Milwaukee Brewers, sparked by Esmerlyn Valdez’s explosive grand slam and Paul Skenes’ gritty outing. Can this dynamic offense maintain its momentum as key players return from injury? Gary Morgan breaks down the Pirates’ 50-win first half, spotlighting Valdez’s breakout, the emergence of impact bats, and a lineup that’s suddenly feared across Major League Baseball. Discussion covers the team’s dominance against NL Central rivals, new challenges posed by left-handed pitching, and standout performances by Seth Hernandez and Edward Florentino at the Futures Game. The revamped Home Run Derby rules, MLB Draft strategy with Derek Curio and Aiden Ruiz, and a wave of talented college pitchers round out an action-packed episode. Will this new wave power Pittsburgh to October glory?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.    Nutrafol Find out why Nutrafol is the only hair growth supplement brand trusted by MLB. For a limited time, Nutrafol is offering our listeners $10 off your first month’s subscription and free shipping when you visit https://Nutrafol.com and enter promo code LOCKEDONMLB. 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 ten dollars when you trade ten. Kalshi. Trade on anything. 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. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started now.   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.

PIRATES POSTCAST: Pirates OBLITERATE Brewers to SWEEP Their Way into the All-star Break!

Nathan breaks down the finale of the weekend series between the Pirates and Brewers. The Pirates offense put together a 10-run inning in the 4th and that's all it took today. Henry Davis and Marcell Ozuna both went yard. Paul Skenes looked solid in his last start of the first half. He went 5.1 innings allowed 2 runs and struck out 7 with 1 walk. The Pirates end their first half on a high note with a sweep of the first-place Brewers and will head to Cleveland to take on the Guardians this upcoming weekend.   FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. The biggest stage in world soccer is here, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel. Visit FANDUEL DOT COM to get started now.   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.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.