NOISE: Pittsburgh Pirates Face CHOICES—Jared Triolo or Outside Aid for the Infield’s Weak Spots?
Pittsburgh Pirates eye a true leap from “good enough” to real NL Central contenders—can a bold left-side upgrade spark playoff noise this season? Gary Morgan dissects the hot corner dilemma, analyzing options like Kazuma Okamoto’s power potential at third base, Yoan Moncada’s uncertain upside, and whether a value signing like Jose Quintana could anchor the rotation. Is GM Ben Cherington ready to make the budget stretch for a true difference-maker?Key discussion highlights include the current state of third base and shortstop, internal competition from Jared Triolo, Nick Gonzalez, and Nick Yorke, plus how Okamoto’s arrival would reshape both the lineup and prospect roadmap for rookie sensation Termarr Johnson. With the payroll window still open and expectations rising, the pressure is on for the Pirates to maximize their offseason momentum. Will Pittsburgh settle for solid, or take its shot at a postseason breakthrough?Everydayer ClubIf 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/everydayerclubSupport Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONMLB for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.FanDuelToday's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. The NBA and NFL seasons are here, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets 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.
EXPLOSIVE: Pittsburgh Pirates’ SMART Moves SHAKE UP NL Central
Pittsburgh Pirates shake up the NL Central with aggressive offseason moves. Can Brandon Lau, Ryan O'Hearn, and Gregory Soto finally deliver division glory to Pittsburgh fans?\n\n[Gary Morgan] evaluates the evolving landscape in the NL Central, spotlighting the Pirates’ targeted signings and the quiet strategies of rivals like the Brewers, Cardinals, Cubs, and Reds. Key topics include the impact of the Pirates’ additions on lineup certainty and bullpen strength, St. Louis’s sluggish rebuild, Chicago’s loss of Kyle Tucker, and Milwaukee’s pitching lab experiments. Major questions surround whether Cincinnati squandered a chance to build on their wildcard success and if Milwaukee can remain contenders without big spending.\n\nIs the NL Central more winnable than ever for the Pirates? Don’t miss this in-depth assessment of roster changes, divisional trends, and what it could mean for Pittsburgh’s playoff ambitions.Everydayer ClubIf 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/everydayerclubSupport Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONMLB for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.FanDuelToday's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. The NBA and NFL seasons are here, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets 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.
INTENT: Pittsburgh Pirates Land Ryan O'Hearn—SIGNALING Real Commitment with $29M Move
Pittsburgh Pirates signal their intent for a playoff push with the blockbuster signing of Ryan O’Hearn to a two-year, $29 million deal. Is this the move that finally puts them in contention for 2026? Gary Morgan breaks down O’Hearn’s impactful bat, defensive versatility, and upward career trajectory, dissecting why the Pirates targeted a proven middle-of-the-order force to boost a lineup that struggled with power last season.Key topics include how O’Hearn’s arrival affects Andrew McCutchen’s role, what this means for Spencer Horwitz at first base, and the broader implications for the Pirates’ roster, payroll, and winning mindset. Gary Morgan explores upcoming moves at third base, starting pitcher options, and the shift from rebuilding to competing in the NL Central. Can Pittsburgh sustain this momentum and finally turn the corner toward postseason dreams?Everydayer ClubIf 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/everydayerclubSupport Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONMLB for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.FanDuelToday's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. The NBA and NFL seasons are here, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets 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.
GAMECHANGER: Pittsburgh Pirates Welcome Brandon Lowe, Jake Mangum, Mason Montgomery to SHAKE Lineup
Pittsburgh Pirates reshape their future with the blockbuster additions of Brandon Lau, Mason Montgomery, Jake Mangum, and Password Garcia. Does Lowe’s arrival signal a new era for the Pirates’ lineup, or will lingering defensive concerns and injury history stall momentum? Intrigue surrounds Nick Gonzalez’s evolving role, with questions swirling about a potential trade or shift to the bench.Gary Morgan breaks down lineup construction and positional battles, spotlighting the need for a true third-base upgrade and pondering impact moves like pursuing Kazuma Okamoto or Eugenio Suarez. Key topics include assessing bench depth, benching versus starring prospects, and how roster flexibility could set the stage for a competitive NL Central run. The episode closes with a look ahead to upcoming division rivalries and the critical free agent decisions that may shape Pittsburgh’s playoff ambitions. Can the Pirates assemble a lineup with enough firepower to contend?Everydayer ClubIf 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/everydayerclubSupport Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONMLB for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.FanDuelToday's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. The NBA and NFL seasons are here, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets 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.
BUCCO BUZZ: Jake Mangum JOINS Locked On Pirates – Reaction, TRADE Details & First IMPRESSIONS
Pittsburgh Pirates fans have a new reason to cheer as contact specialist Jake Mangum joins the squad, promising hustle, heart, and the kind of gritty play that could shake up the outfield. Can Mangum’s relentless approach and speed ignite a lineup hungry for more action on the bases and fewer strikeouts? Gary Morgan sits down with Mangum to discuss his jump from the Tampa Bay Rays in a headline-grabbing three-team trade, insider stories from the clubhouse, and how his style echoes Pirates fan favorite Adam Frazier.Key topics include Mangum’s battle-tested journey from Mississippi State through minor league trades and the challenges of debuting as a 29-year-old rookie. The conversation dives into the value of lineup diversity, the art of base stealing at the MLB level, and expectations for Mangum’s defensive impact in the outfield. Hear why Pirates leadership—and fans—should be excited for this high-energy addition and what Mangum’s work ethic could mean for Pittsburgh’s future. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.